Arkansas lawmakers have sent the governor a bill to use medical marijuana tax revenue to fund free school breakfasts for students.
The Senate voted 24-1 on Monday to give final approval to the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R), days after it had cleared the House of Representatives in lightly amended form.
SB 59 now heads the desk of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), who’s previously endorsed the plan.
The legislation would supplement federal free and reduced-price meal funds with money from a state Food Insecurity Fund, paid for by cannabis taxes as well as private grants and money from the state’s general fund.
It would provide meals to students regardless of whether or not they qualify for free or reduced-cost food under federal law. Some supporters have said that stigma sometimes prevents families from taking advantage of those programs, leaving children hungry.
The governor previewed the bill in her State of the State address last month.
Sanders, a former press secretary in the first Trump administration, has historically resisted cannabis policy reform.
“We will also use those funds to make school breakfast in Arkansas completely free for any student that chooses to participate,” she said in the speech, saying
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
