The Bill Spill
Potential School Meal Funding Cuts
Texas Republican Representative and Chair of the House Budget Committee Jodey Arrington proposed a new list of programs for budget reconciliation that includes a $12 billion cut to school food funding—a move that would directly affect low-income households across America.
The proposal would reduce the number of schools offering free meals by raising the eligibility requirements for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that enables schools in high poverty areas to provide free meals to all students regardless of income. Additionally, families at non-CEP schools whose students receive free or reduced meals will have to submit proof of income included with their student meal application. If passed, the proposal would affect 784 schools and 451,117 students in Virginia.
The Senate just passed the Consumer Data Protection Act, which mandates social media platforms verify users by screening minors to determine if they’re under 16. The law restricts these minors to one hour of social media use per day. Platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent to increase or decrease the time limit. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026.