” “COVID-19 is over, and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too [, even if the kids lunch program should have been in place even without, and before, COVID. Plus, this is about kids’ hunger pangs more than it is about flu-like symptoms…and yeah, I know, it’s funding intended to feed poor kids. But I mean, why can’t we just stop fussin’ about kids’ hunger pangs, just like we stopped fussin’ so much about COVID? Why can’t people get this connection? And back to the taxpayers expectations; I’m the governor and I know all these people, and each and every one of these taxpayers don’t support continuing feeding kids]” Pillen said in his statement. Pillen announced on Dec. 19 that Nebraska would not participate in the [Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children] program. He has drawn a firestorm of criticism for later defending that stance at a news conference by saying, “I don’t believe in welfare [even though it’s as real as the kids’ hunger pangs that everyone keeps fussin’ about. Plus, kids’ hunger pangs are no big deal when they’re not also dealing with COVID symptoms at the same time. I mean, hell, what’s the big deal about their hunger pangs when we don’t even have a pandemic anymore. I mean, good lord; they’re not my kids. Don’t expect me to get all sentimental about their hunger pangs. These kids aren’t even in the same socioeconomic rung as me. I’m the governor. So I just don’t get it].””
[Except for brackets and their contents, which are added by thoughtsontrails], from AP website, December 29, 2023 ‘Nebraska governor stands firm on rejection of federal money to feed food-insecure children’
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