Understanding Summer EBT: Insights on the Line-Item Veto Process

On Sunday, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed $60 million allocated for the Summer EBT program planned for fiscal year 2027. This decision has drawn significant disappointment, as the initiative would have supplied essential nutrition assistance to children during the summer, a time when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often intensifies. Currently, nearly 25% of children in Texas face food scarcity, making the Summer EBT program a crucial resource for struggling families. There are concerns regarding uncertain federal matching rates for SNAP due to ongoing budget negotiations in Congress. We implore Congress to avoid imposing unsustainable costs on states through federal initiatives like Summer EBT and SNAP. We also advocate against any budget proposals that could shift financial responsibilities onto Texas. Our gratitude goes to Texas Legislature Chairs and anti-hunger advocates who actively supported Summer EBT funding, showcasing their dedication to combating hunger. We remain hopeful for future collaboration with the governor and legislative leaders to ensure no child in Texas goes hungry during summer.