Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced in December that the state would be withdrawing from an $18 million federal fund meant to provide money to feed children in low-income homes.
After listening to Nebraska kids unfortunate enough to not have enough to eat, Pillen reversed course on Feb. 12.
“I learned we have to do better for them,” the governor said.
The $18 million fund will go to families in the form of $40 monthly per qualifying child during the three months of summer break.
This assistance is set to adjust for inflation yearly based on how much the USDA deems necessary for a low-cost and healthy diet.
The $40 monthly Electronic Benefits Transfer can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereal, seeds, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Pillen said the state would be implementing the program “The Nebraska way” by providing online resources to parents and guardians to educate about better nutrition on a budget.
Just across the border in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds continues to refuse this assistance for children in her state.
“An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic,” Reynolds reasons.
I work as a cashier at a grocery store and frequently see people of all varieties using EBT to buy essential groceries. When influential government figures such as Reynolds make these comments, they attempt to discredit those who are already struggling to survive, and they convince other influential figures that helping those who need it is morally incorrect.
This is why Pillen made his initial decision to decline these benefits. With political pressure from his party, Pillen was forced to take a stance citing that Nebraskan taxpayers were expecting tax cuts.
“I don’t believe in welfare” Pillen said at a press conference announcing his initial stance.
It did show a respectable amount of leadership and humility that the Nebraska governor ultimately stopped and listened to the young people most affected by his decision and then changed his stance as a result.
It’s clear Pillen had a revelation after taking the time to listen to the children, turn a 180 and go further beyond by finding the absolute best way to his ability to help those in need. By giving education to the people providing for the children, Pillen seems newly dedicated to doing everything he can to help kids across Nebraska.
