BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/NEWSDAKOTA) – The North Dakota Senate defeated a House Bill providing free meals to students at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, by just one vote on Monday – 24-23.
The bill called for $6 million in state grants over two years.
State Sen. Mike Wobbema of Valley City voted against the bill. He said personal responsibility is one of the major principles the Republican party stands on.
“I can understand kids going hungry, but is that really the problem of the school district? Is that the problem of the state of North Dakota? It’s really the problem of parents being negligent with their kids, if their kids are choosing to eat in the first place. Which is the problem that could be existing.” Wobbema said.
A motion to reconsider the bill was introduced at the beginning to Tuesday’s session by Sen. Judy Lee of West Fargo, but it failed on a vote of 20-27.
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