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Tennessee Governor Rejects $84M for Summer Child Nutrition

1/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee declined to accept $84 million in federal funding for the Summer EBT program, which previously helped feed 700,000 low-income children during summer months.
Despite pressure from county mayors, child advocates, and educators, his office has not clarified the decision.
Last year, he rejected the funding, aligning with other Republican governors who opposed expanding welfare programs.
Instead, he implemented a state-funded Summer Nutrition Initiative, benefiting 18,000 children in 15 counties.

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Story summary

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee declined to accept $84 million in federal funding for the Summer EBT program, which previously helped feed 700,000 low-income children during summer months.
Despite pressure from county mayors, child advocates, and educators, his office has not clarified the decision.
Last year, he rejected the funding, aligning with other Republican governors who opposed expanding welfare programs.
Instead, he implemented a state-funded Summer Nutrition Initiative, benefiting 18,000 children in 15 counties.