North Dakota Officials Debate Free School Meal Ballot Measure

Supporters and critics of Measure 2 debated a proposed constitutional amendment to provide free breakfast and lunch to all North Dakota K-12 students during the Greater North Dakota Chamber Policy Summit in Bismarck.

Robin Nelson, chair of Together for School Meals, argued the initiative would function as a tax break for approximately 105,000 households, estimating a benefit of $1,000 per child. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction projects the program would cost between $124.3 million and $134.3 million every two years, with funding potentially sourced from the state Legacy Fund.

State Senator Paul Thomas opposed the measure, arguing that mandating a specific government program within the state constitution creates a dangerous precedent and bypasses the legislative process. He contended that the constitution should not serve as an escape hatch when a legislature declines to pass a bill. Voters will decide the fate of the measure in November.