North Dakota voters have a chance to do something really big to help the state’s families and children. Namely, guarantee that children going to school can get a free breakfast and lunch. The time has come to make that happen.
KFGO News file photo
Passing North Dakota Constitutional Measure 2 is long overdue. Yes, some children from low-income families get free or reduced meals now. However, not every child qualifies. This would cover everyone. No questions asked. No need to fill out cumbersome paperwork.
There are many benefits to the free school meals. Better fed students do better in the classroom. They are more engaged, have better attendance, and have higher test scores.
The free nutritious meals will also give students more energy and improve their attitudes. Remember, for many of them, the best meals they get all week are in school.
As Amy Jacobson, executive director of the Prairie Action Institute said, “This measure is about more than just meals; it’s about giving every child an equal opportunity to succeed while easing the financial burden on families.”
Yes, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong says he will vote against the measure because it mandates spending in the state constitution.
Robin Nelson (left) and Amy Jacobson (right) leaders of “Together for School Meals”
However, the only reason this is coming up for a public vote is because on two occasions the North Dakota Legislature shamefully voted to defeat free universal school meals. Some lawmakers have been tone-deaf to this idea, which polls show is supported by about 80% of the state’s residents.
So, the ship has sailed to rely on the Legislature to put it in state law. Thus, it’s up to North Dakota voters to make it happen. By putting it in the constitution, that will make it virtually impossible for legislators to mess with it.
The program would cost about $133 million for the 2027-2029 North Dakota budget cycle. That’s very affordable. The state ended the 2023-2025 budget cycle with a $1.3 billion surplus.
If the Legislature can’t decide on how to fund the meals, then the money could easily come from the state’s massive Legacy Fund. Money from the Legacy Fund is generated from petroleum revenues.
Moreover, Measure 2 goes far beyond providing free meals. It will certainly help families in other areas. That’s because the measure would save about $1,000 per child. Families could then take those savings and use it towards other necessities, such as their rent or mortgage, gasoline costs, and medical bills. The benefits would be enormous.
Together for School Meals delivering signatures to the North Dakota Secretary of State
Nine other states, including Minnesota, have universal free meals, and they have been a huge success. If passed, this could be one of those measures that actually lures families to move to North Dakota.
Congrats to the group, “Together for School Meals,” for working hard to generate almost 50,000 accepted signatures to get this matter on the ballot. That tells you how badly so many North Dakotans want this.
As Robin Nelson, chair of the group said, “North Dakotans from every corner of the state worked to place this on the ballot because this issue is real, it is urgent, and it is deeply connected to the future we want for our children.” She’s spot on.
Free universal school meals will be a game changer. Vote yes on Constitutional Measure 2.
Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)
–Good to see North Dakota Senator John Hoeven publicly disagree with Donald Trump. Hoeven, along with 13 other senators from both parties, is rightfully urging Trump to disinvite Russian President Putin from the Group of 20 summit in December.
In their letter, the senators emphasize that it was Putin who is responsible for the war against Ukraine, and he continues to attack Ukrainian civilians every day.
Hopefully, this is just the start of Hoeven opposing Trump. Perhaps Kevin Cramer, Julie Fedorchak and Michelle Fischbach might also join in. With Trump’s approval ratings in the toilet, it’s certainly easier now for Hoeven to oppose Trump and stand for American values.
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