Lawmaker Sets The Table For Free School Meals in North Dakota

(Photo by Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) –  North Dakota legislative leaders on Tuesday will decide whether to reconsider giving free school meals to K-12 students.

Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, is proposing that lawmakers take up the issue during next week’s special session, but first he’ll need to pitch it to the Legislative Management committee.

The bill draft mirrors a proposed constitutional ballot measure that could be on the November ballot if supporters gather enough signatures. But while the ballot measure would add the meal program to the state constitution, the bill would add the program to state law, making it easier for lawmakers to adjust if the program becomes unsustainable.

“We need the flexibility for future legislatures in case we hit financially hard times,” Nathe said.