1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am deeply disappointed by the House Education Committee's 8-1 vote to hold Senate Bill 180, which would have expanded school lunch access to children in families earning up to 200% of the poverty level, approximately $65,000 annually for a family of four. This decision leaves thousands of Utah children without the nutritional support they need to succeed in school, and it represents a failure to prioritize what truly matters for our state's future. Senator Luz Escamilla is correct that hungry children cannot learn effectively. For many students, this school meal would be their only nutritious meal of the day. Utahns Against Hunger's Neil Rickard confirmed that this income band of students is significantly affected by increased costs of living, with rising demand at food banks and food pantries demonstrating the urgent need. The funding mechanism was already identified through liquor sales revenue, which currently supports the existing program, along with additional funding sources included in the bill. When legislators express concern about budgetary impact, they reveal misplaced priorities. A family of four earning $65,000 annually faces significant financial pressure in today's economy, particularly with housing and food costs rising. These families earn too much to qualify for current assistance but not enough to consistently provide adequate nutrition for their children. This is the type of bill that should pass easily through a legislature like Utah's, yet it was blocked. That is shameful. I do not want tax cuts. I want a fed, educated future for all of Utah's children. Senator Escamilla has committed to reintroducing this bill in the 2027 legislative session. I urge you to support Senate Bill 180 when it returns. Investing in child nutrition delivers measurable returns through improved academic performance, better health outcomes, and increased future workforce productivity. This is practical, evidence-based policy that puts Utah's children first.