MONTPELIER – Many of you have probably been hearing a lot about the Governor’s new five-school district restructuring proposal aimed to reduce the cost of education. Many constituents have reached out to me to express their concerns about its impact on small rural schools and local voice. As a member of the House Education Committee, I want to emphasize that this is just a proposal, and we are still evaluating its potential effects on Vermont students and public education funding. It raises some serious concerns about privatization and defunding of public schools, and I oppose any rushed plan that weakens our system. There is also one specific key issue that it raises that I would like you to be aware of now: Governor Scott is proposing the repeal of Act 64, the Universal School Meals program permanently passed in 2023, which has been providing free breakfast and lunch for all Pre-K–12 students.
As we emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, the State of Vermont first launched a one-year pilot program in 2022 to test the design and effectiveness of Act 64. Then, in 2023, Vermont made a lasting commitment to families by making the program permanent, ensuring that no child experiences hunger at school and that all students are well-nourished and ready to learn. This initiative guarantees that every child who comes to school receives a healthy meal and can focus on learning with a full stomach. Over the past few weeks, we have heard testimony from many education leaders, including the Vermont Superintendents’ Association, the Vermont School Boards Association, the Vermont Principals’ Association, and the Vermont chapter of the National Education Association, which represents a statewide network of teachers and paraeducators.
I have also heard from numerous constituents, including former and retired teachers and principals. A clear consensus is emerging: the Universal Meals program benefits all students by reducing the stigma of poverty, fostering a sense of security, and ensuring that every child feels equally cared for in both the cafeteria and the classroom.
It is very important to understand that the entire program costs residential property taxpayers an average of just $30 per year. According to calculations from Hunger Free Vermont, if the program were eliminated, families who don’t qualify for free meals would pay around $1,500 per child annually for school breakfast and lunch. For families like mine, with two children, that would mean an out-of-pocket cost of $3,000 next year.
Some families can afford that, and some cannot. Some parents fill out the paperwork for free meals, while others who would qualify, do not. Some remember to pay their lunch bill; others don’t. Some send their children to school with lunch or lunch money; others can’t or don’t. There are many reasons why children who don’t qualify for free lunch may still experience food insecurity during the school day. But no matter the reason, Vermont kids shouldn’t be the ones paying the price.
I want to live in a state that is committed to feeding all its children. We can afford it more than kids can afford to go hungry. And if we truly want every tax dollar spent on education to be used wisely, we must ensure that while children are at school they are learning, something they can’t do on empty stomachs.
If you support keeping Universal School Meals in the budget, I urge you to contact Governor Scott and Secretary of State Zoie Saunders and let them know where you stand.
Contact Governor Scott at (802) 828-3333, say your name and town, and tell him do not repeal Universal School Meals. If the line is busy or the voicemail is full, you can fill out this form: vermontce.my.vermont.gov/s/governor-office-ce
Leanne Harple represents the Orleans-4 House District.
Rep. Leanne Harple
Leanne Harple represents Orleans-4, the towns of Albany, Craftsbury, Glover and Greensboro.
