Abbott vetoes summer food aid program, forgoing $450M in federal funds | Houston Chronicle
(Rep. Armando) Walle, state Rep. Toni Rose and Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of nonprofit No Kid Hungry Texas, wrote in a joint statement Monday that Abbott's concerns were "unfounded."
"Summer EBT matching funds are not tied to SNAP rates, and we have no reason to believe they are at risk," they wrote. "This decision has cost Texas families $450 million in benefits, a substantial loss that will have real, negative impacts on the health and well-being of our children."
$2 Million for CVI Marks Progress, But Texas Gun Safety Laws Lag Behind | Reform Austin
Texas leaders have approved $2 million in state funding to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a notable step in local investment as federal dollars for similar initiatives diminish.
The funding, included in the state’s 2025 budget signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, was championed by Rep. Armando Walle, who helped steer the bipartisan effort through both legislative chambers. Advocates see the funding as a critical boost for organizations tackling gun violence at the neighborhood level, as reported by Everytown.
Rep. Walle Issues Joint Statement on Veto of Summer EBT Program Funding | Lone Star Standard
"We fought hard to make Summer EBT a reality in Texas because it's a smart and necessary investment in our future," (Rep. Armando) Walle said. He expressed disappointment on behalf of millions of Texans who would have benefitted from easing their grocery burden during summer when schools are closed.
