New Orleans Rep. Matthew Willard (D)
Governor Landry said the state will not opt-in for Summer EBT because it’s pandemic-related and there are other programs available. But New Orleans Democrat Representative Matthew Willard disagrees and said the federal program is vital for children to receive proper nutrition when they aren’t in school.
“If the state already administers these programs and they satisfy the needs of hungry children then there was no reason to ever have this program in the beginning, so I think that’s a false narrative,” said Willard.
A statement from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services said every family deserves a path to self-sufficiency and the piecemeal program comes with strings attached. Williard is concerned this won’t be the only assistance program Landry will cut.
“The logic that the governor’s administration is using is basically pull yourself up by your bootstraps and figure it out,” said Willard.
Willard said it costs the state $7 million and the federal match equates to more than $70 million in benefits.
“I have no idea why we would turn down that federal assistance, especially when you look at how many kids in the state of Louisiana are growing up in poverty households,” said Willard.
The deadline to participate in the program was Thursday and Louisiana is one of 15 other states with Republican governors that are forgoing the Summer EBT.
Comments