"Improving the Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016"
Looks like one of the illustrious congressmen from Indiana wants to save money by reducing free lunches for kids in schools. Todd Rokita, IN04, presented a bill to the House Committee on Education and Workforce that would change the way school eligibility for free lunches is figured. The committee vote (20-14) broke along party lines with one Republican voting with the Democrats.
It's a well-known fact that children learn when their tummies are not growling and when they have good nutrition at school. The best article on this issue can be found at the Huffington Post Political Page:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gop-school-lunch_us_573c7e82e4b0ef86171cca10
Also For Sheila Kennedy's take on the issue from a Hoosier perspective read: http://www.sheilakennedy.net/2016/05/about-those-school-lunches/
AND.. after you read these articles, see the ACTION item below!
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
EVENTS
CARTOON
ACTION ITEM
To encourage more civic involvement through a basic understanding of Bloomington’s city services, the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department developed the Citizens' Academy. The Academy is a nine-week program that provides thirty participants with an interactive learning experience about city services, programs and responsibilities. Through the sessions with various city departments, the participants learn about the challenges to city government, budget limitations, day-to-day operations and mandates. Please feel free to submit an Online Application. For more information, you may contact Vickie Provine via phone (812.349.3505) or email ([email protected]) should you have further questions. 2016 Classes will be held every Thursday, Sept. 1 through Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m
In its fifth year, the Emerging Leaders Project is a free, year-long program designed to engage up-and-coming Democrats from across the state who have the potential and interest in being party leaders and elected officials. Over the course of the year, the 40 men and women (under age 40) who are selected to participate, will attend in-person training sessions in Indianapolis focusing on various aspects of campaign management, public policy and party building. Along with the knowledge gained from the training, class members will connect with Democrats from all corners of Indiana. Developed and operated by volunteers, the program is supported by a generous donation from former State Party Chair Robin Winston and former State Party Executive Director Pat Terrell.
All Monroe County Delegates to the state convention are urged to attend a meeting on Monday, May 23rd to discuss plans for the convention and coordinate logistics. You will need to bring your assessment fee of $35. You can make the check payable to "Monroe County Democratic Party". If you are unable to cover that expense, please let us know and we will find a sponsor for you. Questions: contact Mark Fraley at [email protected]
Please write, call, Todd Rokita and let him know that it's not a good idea to change eligibility requirements for free school lunches. There's no doubt kids' learning will be affected in this unnecessary act. Kids will be well represented by YOUR action.
Todd Rokita - 202-225-5037
https://rokita.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
And another Indiana Republican on this committee (don't leave him out!) is:
Luke Messer - 202-225-3021
https://messer.house.gov/contact/email-me
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/