Washington House Passes Bill For Free School Breakfast Funding
Listen
Wednesday marked the third day of Washington’s 2018 legislative session and the House of Representatives passed its first bill. It would require high poverty schools to offer breakfast after the start of the school day. It’s a top priority for Democrats.
Rep. Monica Jurado Stonier is the primary sponsor. On the House floor, she said the bill will ensure kids have full stomachs and are ready to learn.
“We believe we can provide a school system that works for all kids but we know that kids can’t learn if they are hungry,” We know that kids cannot learn if they are not healthy. And in Washington state we are ready to fix that this year.”
House Democrats have passed the “Breakfast After the Bell” bill several times but it hasn’t cleared the state Senate. That could change this year with Democrats now in control of both chambers.
There are different ways schools could implement the program. They could bring breakfast to kids in their classrooms or simply provide a morning break when students can get a cafeteria meal.
Several Republicans voted against the bill citing the $500,000 cost.
Copyright 2018 Northwest News Network
Related Stories:
New WA law about DEI in education divides Prosser residents
Washington schools are now required to include Diversity, Equity and Inclusion history and contributions in curriculum. But in Prosser – the newly passed law is already causing divides. Continue Reading New WA law about DEI in education divides Prosser residents
Washington police pursuit rules to change after Legislature adopts 3 voter initiatives
By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network After hours of public speeches, the Washington Legislature decided Monday to once again make changes to the state rules around police car chases. Lawmakers… Continue Reading Washington police pursuit rules to change after Legislature adopts 3 voter initiatives
Here’s why WA Democrats passed 3 Republican-backed voter initiatives
By: Jeanie Lindsay / NW News Network A majority of lawmakers in the Washington Legislature decided Monday to approve three voter initiatives, after weeks of uncertainty and plenty of tense… Continue Reading Here’s why WA Democrats passed 3 Republican-backed voter initiatives