Lawmakers: Landry to reverse course, take summer meal funds

State lawmakers may have convinced Governor Jeff Landry to accept federal funding for summer feeding programs for children.

Two legislators tell WWL that they have heard that Landry will reverse course and accept the federal EBT funds after a meeting with lawmakers and officials from other state departments about the need for summer feeding programs. One of those legislators said that Rep. Jack MacFarland (R-Winnfield) made an impassioned plea to Landry during that meeting--a plea, the lawmaker says, that may have caused Landry to change his mind.

In February, Landry announced that the state would not opt into the federal program, which pays for meals for children from low-income families. At the time, Landry said he would not renew a "pandemic era related program that costs $7 million."

Senate President Cameron Henry told WWL's Tommy Tucker that lawmakers and officials from several state agencies worked to change the governor's mind.

"We had a great meeting with all the parties (Tuesday): the Department of Child and Family Services, the Department of Education, and the Office  of Technology Services," Sen. Henry (R-Metairie) said. "There are three tiers. I believe the second tier might receive funding, at the latest, in August, but we're trying to speed that up. We anticipate from our conversation yesterday that that program will be implemented. I can't say it won't be without a hitch, but everybody's working together. Everybody has a clear understanding of what they need to do."

WWL texted Governor Landry's spokesperson, Kate Kelly, for comment. She has not responded as of publication.