Iowa’s Republican Governor Kim Reynolds announced the state’s decision not to participate in the 2024 Summer EBT program for children, a federal initiative providing $40 monthly per child to low-income families for food during school closures. This decision affects over 200,000 eligible children in Iowa. Reynolds justified the move, stating, “Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and don’t provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families.” She argued that an EBT card doesn’t promote nutrition amidst rising childhood obesity and urged investment in existing state-level programs.
The announcement, made just before Christmas, triggered significant online criticism. A tweet from the official Drake University Democrats account accused Reynolds of making children go hungry, calling her “one of the worst Iowa governors.” Journalist Mark Jacob and political scientist David Darmofal criticized Reynolds’ decision, highlighting the irony of citing child obesity as a reason to deprive poor children of food and referencing recent state efforts to expand child labor law parameters.
Reynolds, with a 54% approval rating, still ranks above several other governors, despite the controversy. Her office has been contacted for comment regarding the backlash and the state’s approach to child labor laws.
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