(KNSI) — The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of family income.
The final vote was 38-26.
The bill goes back to the House to work on some differing language. Last month, the House passed the measure 70-58.
As a part of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided free meals to all students, regardless of income, through the end of the 2021-2022 school year. While federal support did not continue into the current school year, several states have continued funding free meals for all their students out of their state budgets.
The cost for the state would be $387 million for the first two years.
Proponents of the bill say it would help families by cutting costs as food prices increase. Those opposed say it would be fiscally irresponsible to spend tax dollars where they are not needed on school meals for students who can afford them.
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