Wisconsin Senate Pushes FoodShare Restrictions Sparking Debate On Fairness
The Wisconsin Senate had a busy day yesterday, passing many bills, including one that would legalize online betting and another that would enact restrictions on Food Aid benefits.
Democrats wanted online sports betting to benefit Wisconsin tribes. As part of the bill, any wager made online must go through a server on tribal land.
Ban On Soft Drinks, Candy, & Energy Drinks For Food Stamps
Republicans backed a bill that would restrict candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks from FoodShare benefits. Proponents of the bill say that taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for unhealthy food containing empty calories. The concern is the double-edged sword of taxpayers paying for junk food and the health costs associated with unhealthy eating habits.
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"Punishing People For Being Poor"
Opponents of the bill say it's punishing people for being poor and not taking into account that some people don't have access to a grocery store. They call it people living in a food desert.
Governor Evers Will Likely Sign
Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign the bill into law, making Wisconsin the 23rd state to restrict food benefits partially.
Tied to the bill is funding that Republicans attached to the proposal. The funding was requested by Evers to replace cuts from President Donald Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill." The funding in this bill would be an additional 72 million dollars for the Department of Health Services, CP24 reports.
LOOK: Food and drink items that are highly restricted or banned in the U.S.
Gallery Credit: Stacker
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