Prohibiting the secretary for children and families from participating in the summer electronic benefits transfer for children program.
Impact
The implications of HB 2674 could be significant for families who rely on the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program for essential support during the summer months. This decision may affect many low-income families who depend on these benefits to ensure their children continue to receive nutritional support when school is out. If the bill is enacted, it will effectively shift responsibility for such assistance away from state-level administration to other forms or methods not specified in the bill.
Summary
House Bill 2674, introduced by the Committee on Welfare Reform, seeks to prohibit the Secretary for Children and Families from participating in the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program. This program is designed to provide assistance to families with children during the summer months when school meals are not available. By preventing participation in this program, the bill aims to restrict the state's involvement in providing this specific type of public assistance to families in need.
Contention
Notably, the bill could generate a debate regarding the adequacy and accessibility of public assistance programs, especially for vulnerable populations. Opponents of the bill may argue that discontinuing state participation in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program undermines efforts to combat child hunger and assists in the continued support of families facing financial hardships. In contrast, proponents might emphasize the need for adjustments to how public assistance is administered at the state level.
A bill for an act relating to the federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program, making an appropriation, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to the federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program, making an appropriation, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to the federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program, making an appropriation, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
Require the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education to apply for and administer the summer electronic benefit transfer for children program and to make an appropriation therefor.