San Antonio, December 23, 2025
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has asked Governor Greg Abbott to reverse his veto of a $60 million budget measure for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. This initiative would provide $120 per child for food during summer, benefiting approximately 3.75 million children in Texas. Mayor Jones stresses the importance of this funding for vulnerable families, while Abbott cites concerns over fiscal implications and federal matching rates. Advocates argue that the program is vital for addressing child food insecurity during the summer months.
San Antonio Mayor Urges Governor to Reconsider Veto of Children’s Summer Lunch Program Funding
San Antonio, Texas – Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has called on Governor Greg Abbott to reverse his veto of a $60 million budget measure that would have enabled Texas to participate in the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. This program was designed to provide qualifying families with $120 per child over the summer months to cover food costs when students aren’t receiving free meals at schools. An estimated 3.75 million children statewide would have qualified for this assistance.
In a letter to Governor Abbott, Mayor Jones emphasized the direct impact of the decision on vulnerable residents, stating that the veto “directly impacts the most vulnerable residents of my city and our state.” She urged the governor to commit to the program for summer 2026, suggesting that a pledge by the end of the year would allow the state to opt in.
The Summer EBT program is fully federally funded, but states are required to cover half of the administrative costs. For Texas, this would have amounted to approximately $60 million over the next two fiscal years. The program was expected to bring in about $450 million in federal support for meal subsidies.
Reasons Behind the Veto
Governor Abbott vetoed the provision, citing uncertainty regarding federal matching rates and the long-term fiscal implications of creating such a program. He stated that once there is more clarity about these factors, the Legislature can reconsider funding the item.
Responses from Advocates
Opponents of the veto, including state legislators and child nutrition advocates, have criticized the decision. They argue that the program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks. Various stakeholders, including advocates for child nutrition, emphasize the importance of ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals, which could significantly impact their health and academic readiness.
Governor’s Fiscal Concerns
The governor’s concerns center around potential long-term costs and the variables involved in federal funding. While the program’s advocates believe it offers essential nutritional support, the governor calls for prudence in the state’s fiscal management, highlighting the need for transparency regarding future federal matching rates.
The Importance of Addressing Food Insecurity
As the debate continues, Mayor Jones remains committed to ensuring that children in San Antonio and across Texas have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. This food assistance is crucial for families grappling with economic difficulties, illustrating how supporting local initiatives can foster community resilience and enhance the overall wellbeing of the state’s youth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Summer EBT program?
The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program is a federal initiative designed to provide qualifying families with $120 per child over the summer months to cover food costs when students aren’t receiving free meals at schools. An estimated 3.75 million children statewide would have qualified for this assistance.
Why did Governor Abbott veto the funding for the Summer EBT program?
Governor Abbott vetoed the provision, citing uncertainty regarding federal matching rates and the long-term fiscal implications of creating such a program. He stated that once there is more clarity about these factors, the Legislature can reconsider funding the item.
What is Mayor Jones’s position on the veto?
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has called on Governor Greg Abbott to reverse his veto of the $60 million budget measure that would have enabled Texas to participate in the federal Summer EBT program. She emphasized the direct impact of the decision on vulnerable residents and urged the governor to commit to the program for summer 2026.
How do opponents view the veto?
Opponents of the veto, including state legislators and child nutrition advocates, have criticized the decision. They argue that the program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks.
Key Features of the Summer EBT Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Qualifying families with children who receive free meals during the school year |
| Benefit Amount | $120 per child over the summer months |
| Estimated Reach in Texas | Approximately 3.75 million children statewide |
| Federal Funding | Expected to bring in about $450 million in federal support for meal subsidies |
| State Administrative Costs | Approximately $60 million over the next two fiscal years |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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