Nebraska Governor Firm on Refusing Federal Child Nutrition Funds

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has reaffirmed his decision to reject $18 million in federal funding from the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children program, which would provide food assistance to children during the summer months. Despite criticism and a petition with over 6,100 signatures, Pillen argues that the state will continue to support food-insecure children through the Summer Food Service Program and believes that pandemic-era relief programs should end. Advocates argue that the on-site program is not accessible to all, especially in rural areas, and that the federal program's benefits far outweigh the administrative costs.