The South Dakota legislature passed a bill that would cover the costs for part of the free and reduced lunch program in its session Monday. Both the House and Senate approved the bill.
Representative Kaydn Wittman, a Sioux Falls Democrat, has advocated for expanding free school meals for the past four years.
During the session, Senator Brandon Wipf, a Republican from Lake Byron, spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would deliver aid to where it is needed and would cost the state under $600,000 per year.
The bill would require the state to cover $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch for kids eligible for reduced meals.
Wittman told Siouxland Public Media Monday she is thrilled the Senate passed the bill.
“The bill is about making sure kids who already qualify for reduced-price meals can eat at school without worrying about costs,” said Wittman.
Previously, the bill failed to gain proponents, but in this legislative session, it has seen encouraging bipartisan support.
The bill passed on a 20-to-14 vote and heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.
