Fact Check: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a summer lunch program for low-income kids.

Fact Check: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Vetoed a Summer Lunch Program for Low-Income Kids

What We Know

Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a budget measure that would have allowed the state to participate in a federal summer lunch program aimed at low-income children. The program, known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), would have provided qualifying families with $120 per child to cover lunch expenses during the summer months of 2027. Approximately 3.75 million children in Texas would have been eligible for this assistance (The Texas Tribune, Houston Chronicle).

Abbott's veto was part of a larger state budget bill, Senate Bill 1, which included a provision to join the program. In his statement, Abbott cited "significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates" as the reason for his decision, suggesting that the program's long-term fiscal implications were unclear (The Texas Tribune). Critics, including state Democrats and advocacy groups, expressed disappointment, arguing that the veto would deny essential nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are not available (The Texas Tribune, Houston Chronicle).

Analysis

The claim that Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a summer lunch program for low-income children is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Texas Tribune, a reputable news organization focused on Texas politics and policy, reported on the veto and provided details about the program and its implications (The Texas Tribune). Additionally, the Houston Chronicle, another established news outlet, corroborated the information regarding the veto and the potential impact on low-income families (Houston Chronicle).

Critics of Abbott's decision, including Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups like Feeding Texas, expressed strong opposition, labeling the veto as a "baffling" and "devastating" choice that would harm vulnerable children (The Texas Tribune). This criticism adds weight to the argument that the veto was not only a political decision but also one that could have significant social repercussions.

While Abbott's reasoning for the veto—concerns about federal funding and fiscal responsibility—may reflect a legitimate concern for state budget management, the immediate impact on children's nutrition cannot be overlooked. The decision has sparked considerable debate about priorities in state funding and the responsibilities of government to support low-income families.

Conclusion

The claim that Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a summer lunch program for low-income kids is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Abbott's veto of the budget measure will prevent Texas from participating in a federal program designed to provide essential meals to millions of children during the summer months. The decision has drawn significant criticism from various stakeholders who argue that it undermines efforts to combat child food insecurity in the state.

Fact Check: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a summer lunch program for low-income kids.