WI
Wisconsin Senate Bill SB720

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB720

Introduced
11/21/23  
Refer
11/21/23  

Caption

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The passage of SB720 will amend existing statutes regarding the reimbursement process for school meals, enabling eligible schools to receive funds that cover their total costs rather than just a prorated share. This will significantly affect the operational budget of schools across the state, allowing them to provide at least two healthy meals to children each school day without additional out-of-pocket expenses. The intent is to eliminate hunger among students and ensure equitable access to nutritional food. The bill firmly aligns with the federal nutritional guidelines and aims to capture federal matching funds to bolster local resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 720 aims to enhance support for public and private schools in Wisconsin that provide free meals to all pupils. The bill introduces additional state aid to reimburse schools for the costs associated with serving free lunches and breakfasts under federal programs. Current law allows for partial reimbursement from the Department of Public Instruction based on the number of meals served, but SB720 proposes a more systematic approach to ensure schools can maintain and expand their meal programs without financial strain. This is particularly relevant post-pandemic, as many students continue to face food insecurity.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding SB720 have highlighted concerns regarding the overall fiscal implications for the state budget. Critics argue that offering comprehensive reimbursements may lead to budgetary strain in the long term. Some lawmakers worry about dependency on state support for nutrition programs, suggesting that schools should explore alternative funding mechanisms without relying solely on state aid. Nonetheless, proponents emphasize the ethical and economic imperative to support food security for children as education is closely linked to nutritional wellbeing, thereby advocating for the bill's importance in ensuring all children have access to necessary meals during their schooling.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB754

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB48

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB67

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB1026

Prohibiting grade promotion on the basis of absences from school. (FE)

WI AB6

Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE)

WI AB510

Rights reserved to a parent or guardian of a child.

WI HB2769

Requiring public schools and school districts to participate in federal meal programs and providing for reimbursement for free meals at all public schools and school districts.

WI SB204

Relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor.

WI HB2180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program and providing for School Meal Debt Fund; and making appropriations.

WI HB180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program, repealing provisions relating to school lunch and breakfast reimbursement and establishing the Universal School Meal Program and the Universal School Meal Fund; and making appropriations.

Similar Bills

WI AB6

Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE)

WI AB754

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB1026

Prohibiting grade promotion on the basis of absences from school. (FE)

WI AB48

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB67

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB510

Rights reserved to a parent or guardian of a child.

WI SB1056

Requirements for school breakfast reimbursement and repealing a teaching license requirement (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Public Instruction).

WI AB1103

Requirements for school breakfast reimbursement and repealing a teaching license requirement (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Public Instruction).