Gov. Scott continues to fail our children as he seeks to repeal Act 64.

Hunger Free Vermont puts it well:

“When Vermont passed its Universal School Meals program in 2023 with strong support from all political parties, the state made a simple but powerful commitment: no child should have to go hungry at school.

Now, that progress is at risk. Gov. Phil Scott has proposed repealing Act 64, eliminating the Universal School Meals program and putting the burden back on families and schools. If this happens, Vermont kids would miss out on 2.5 million meals each year. For 27,000 students in middle-income families already struggling to meet their basic needs, this would mean an additional $1,500 in annual school meal expenses — or the burden and added expense of packing their own lunches. Schools and farms would lose millions in federal funding, and meal debt would make a comeback, forcing school administrators to play the role of bill collectors instead of educators.”

I reached out to the governor’s office to urge that he reconsider repealing Act 64 and was met with a disheartening response. Not that a constituent’s concerns or desires will be taken under consideration but that he has made up his mind on something that affects every family in the state. As a public servant and an elected official serving the public in a government role, specifically as the chief executive of a state, he is a representative of the people he governs. The people he governs deserve a say in the matter, especially of where we feel our taxes are best used.

The governor’s office response:

“Dear Tyler: Thank you for reaching out regarding Act 64, the Universal Schools Meals Act.

The current law, paid for by the statewide education property tax, provides free school meals for all Vermont students regardless of their ability to pay. This is a departure from historic practice funded by the National School Lunch Program, which offers free lunch for students at or below 130% of the federal poverty line as well as reduced lunch up to 185% of the poverty line.

There’s no doubt that those who support universal school meals are well intentioned. However, the Governor understands that responsible budgeting, often means choosing between many good things. In practice, the program is regressive. Since it is funded through the education fund, and that money is collected through property taxes, and indirectly through rent, those students who would otherwise qualify for the federal program are essentially subsidizing their wealthier classmates.

All Vermonters are facing an affordability crisis, and we remain committed to supporting policies that make life more affordable while ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed. Again, our goal is not ending free meals for those who need it, we are proposing to remove the inequitable tax burden faced by underprivileged families that are subsidizing wealthy families’ lunches.

Sincerely, Governor’s Constituent Services

Philip B. Scott, Governor of Vermont”

Tyler Day

Middlebury