Political Quotes

“Senator Murray is unavoidably detained. I am proposing her amendment. This is an amendment she discussed last week and withdrew with the opportunity to be able to submit it today. It strikes section 1206. The bill reduces the rate of the Summer Food Service Program. The Food Research Action Council's surveys and past experience leads them to conclude that the cut could result in: A 30- to 35-percent drop in the number of sponsors; A 20-percent cut in the number of children participating; Many larger sponsors dropping their smaller sites; A significant decline in meat quality as sponsors cut food costs. The Senate bill makes an eleven percent cut to the reimbursement rate for lunches provided in the summer food program. The reduction (a 23/20 cent cut on each lunch, from $2.16/$2.12 to $1.93) is substantial. Many programs around the country serve 50 or fewer children. Over half of current sponsors already lose money under current rates. Their margins to absorb cuts are extremely narrow.”