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Proposition MM asks voters for the second time in three years to supply funding totally free faculty meals by growing taxes on households that make greater than $300,000 a yr
The measure, on the Nov. 4 poll, would elevate as much as $95 million extra for Colorado’s Wholesome College Meals for All program, which permits collaborating public Okay-12 districts to supply free breakfast and lunch to each pupil. The cash may be used for the federal Supplemental Vitamin Help Program, or SNAP, which helps present meals help to households and was reduce by Congress.
Proposition MM asks voters the same query because the 2022 Proposition FF poll measure that created the Wholesome College Meals for All program: Ought to the state restrict tax deductions for households that make greater than $300,000 a yr? This might have an effect on an estimated 200,000 Colorado households, or about 6% of households.
These taxpayers would pay a mean of $486 extra a yr, in accordance with state numbers.
Why is that this measure on the Nov. 4 poll?
As a result of Wholesome College Meals for All program’s recognition, the income generated by Proposition FF isn’t sufficient to feed each pupil. The state wants about $150 million this yr to fund this system in its entirety, however the income is anticipated to fall in need of that.
To handle the shortfall, Colorado lawmakers determined to fund this system absolutely this yr for half a yr. Which means each collaborating district will be capable to feed college students free breakfast and lunch by the top of 2025.
What occurs after that is determined by whether or not voters move Proposition MM and one other measure on the November poll, Proposition LL. The 2 are thought of a package deal deal.
What if Proposition MM doesn’t move?
Colorado wouldn’t be capable to proceed the Wholesome College Meals for All program in its entirety with out the passage of Proposition MM.
In January, solely colleges with larger percentages of scholars from low-income backgrounds would nonetheless be capable to nonetheless serve free meals below the deal state lawmakers struck within the spring. Households at different colleges would both have to pay for meals or fill out a federal software to see if their youngster qualifies totally free or lowered worth meals.
What occurs if Colorado voters approve the measure?
The state would be capable to absolutely fund the Wholesome Meals for All program as lawmakers and voters supposed. Which means each collaborating Colorado Okay-12 public faculty district would be capable to proceed offering free meals for each pupil.
Colorado lawmakers additionally need any extra cash from Proposition MM for use to backfill price range cuts by Congress to the federal SNAP program.
Who opposes the measure?
The state has not recorded any registered opponents, in accordance with the secretary of state web site. One group has expressed considerations.
The Frequent Sense Institute, which describes itself as a nonpartisan suppose tank, launched a latest report saying the Wholesome College Meals for All program is a pricey endeavor and may do a greater job of controlling bills.
Who’s in favor?
A broad coalition helps Proposition LL and MM.
Hold Children Fed Colorado registered its help and lists 110 organizations throughout the state as a part of the committee. These embrace hospitals, county governments, church buildings, academics associations, and neighborhood advocacy organizations.
The teams embrace Starvation Free Colorado, Nice Training Colorado, The Bell Coverage Middle, Colorado PTA, and the Colorado Training Affiliation.
Jason Gonzales is a reporter protecting larger training and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado companions with Open Campus on larger training protection. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
