Governor Phil Scott allowed a bill to become law, offering free school meals to all students

Governor Phil Scott allowed a bill to become law, offering free school meals to all students, regardless of their families’ income. Scott refrained from vetoing the bill despite arguing it adds financial pressure on property taxes. Critics argue it is a regressive policy, affecting lower-income Vermonters. Advocates counter it will end the stigma of free or reduced-price lunches and assist around 30,000 children whose families earn too much to qualify for these programs yet struggle to meet basic budget needs. With this move, Vermont joins five other states that have implemented similar policies. Universal free meals were maintained in Vermont after federal pandemic-era funding ended, using surplus state education funding.