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Key Findings
- HB 2058 would create a new mandatory welfare entitlement program in K-12 public schools.
- The bill would weaken families by inserting the state between parents and their children in the provision of food.
- This bill would send the message to parents that the state does not trust parents to be the primary caregivers of children.
- Creating an all-students welfare program would undercut the paramount duty of the state to focus on providing for the education of all children residing within its borders.
- The bill is based on the unfounded premise that most parents are unable or unwilling to care their children. It implies that the bill’s sponsors do not trust parents to feed their children during weekdays.
- This lack of trust in and respect for parents is fueling the exodus of students leaving the public schools.
Introduction
On December 28, 2023, Representatives Marcus Ricelli (D-Spokane), Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) and 33 other Democrats introduced HB 2058 for consideration in the 2024 legislative session. HB 2058 would create a new mandatory welfare entitlement in K-12 public schools in Washington. Private schools would be exempt. The bill would require that all public schools to provide all students breakfast and lunch without charge. The bill would place all public school children in a welfare program, even if their families are financially independent and do not need public assistance.
READ THE FULL LEGISLATIVE MEMO HERE