Funding For Federal Summer Lunch Program For Low-Income Children Vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed a $60 million budget provision that would have allowed the state to join the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. The initiative, aimed at supporting low-income families, would have provided $120 per eligible child to cover meals during the summer months starting in 2027. According to estimates, approximately 3.75 million children in Texas would have qualified. The measure was included in Senate Bill 1, the state's budget bill, and would have enabled Texas to access at least $400 million in federal funds, with the state covering only administrative costs.

In his veto message, Abbott cited uncertainty over the future of federal funding: “There is significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates for this and other similar programs,” he wrote. “Once there is more clarity about the long-term fiscal ramifications... the Legislature can reconsider funding this item.” Despite the bill containing a safeguard that would have canceled the appropriation if the funding formula changed, Abbott still opted to strike the provision.

Currently, 37 states participate in the Summer EBT program. Meanwhile, Congress is debating potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but it remains unclear whether Summer EBT will be affected.

The decision drew sharp criticism from Texas Democrats. “This was a baffling decision and I am disappointed on behalf of the millions of Texans who would have benefitted,” said Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston), who helped advance the proposal. Rep. Toni Rose (D-Dallas) described the move as “devastating.” The Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a statement condemning the veto as “a stunning display of misplaced priorities.”

Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, also expressed disappointment: “This program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks.”

In 2024, Texas served 12 million summer meals at over 4,400 sites statewide through a separate program, costing $46.1 million, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Link: Texas Tribune