PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Despite pleas by children’s advocates, Friday the Joint Appropriations Committee killed a bill that would have used over $7 million in federal funds to help feed hungry children through EFT debit cards in the summer of 2025.
The committee sent HB1184 to the 41st legislative day, killing the measure, on a 13 to 4 vote.
The bill also would have spent $150,000 in state funds and another $150,000 in federal funds to administer the program.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Linda Duba from Sioux Falls, said the summer feeding centers around the state are difficult for many children and families to reach in rural portions of South Dakota. The EFT debit cards would give parents more flexibility, she said.
The governor’s office spoke against the bill.
The Bureau of Finance and Management’s Jim Terwilliger said $300,000 would not cover the cost of administering the program by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education. He also said it could take an additional six state employees to manage the program if it were implemented.
Several advocates for children and families spoke for the bill, saying that it was an investment in the children of the state and would prevent other social problems.
Groups supporting the bill included the South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women, the American Heart Association, Feeding South Dakota, the Presentation Sisters, and the South Dakota Education Association.
While most legislators thought the idea was laudable, they would rather not have to fund another ongoing state program.
Duba, however, said the program would only be for 2025 and was amended from running from 2025 to 2029.
Some legislators were worried about fraud with SNAP debit cards being sold and that some parents would not purchase nutritious foods with the funds.
