San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones on Monday urged Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to reconsider his veto that stopped Texas from joining a federal summer meal program for low-income children, as the state faces a deadline to opt in before the start of the new year.
Jones said she sent a letter to the governor’s office outlining the effects of the veto and asking the state to act before the deadline, when Texas must decide whether to participate in the program.
Abbott vetoed $60 million in state funds that would have paid administrative costs required to join the program. Federal officials said participation would have brought about $400 million in federal funding to support summer meals for children across Texas.
Under the program, eligible families would receive $120 per child to help cover food expenses during the summer. State estimates show more than 3.5 million Texas children qualify.
Jones said Texas has the financial capacity to support children when school is not in session and argued that the state should prevent food insecurity during summer months.
Abbott said in his veto message that he questioned the long-term reliability of federal funding tied to the program.
Jones said she sent the letter to formally state her position and to urge the governor to reconsider the decision.
State officials have not said whether Abbott plans to reverse the veto before the deadline.