Hello all, it's been a bit since I've posted a petition update so here goes . . . The quote in the headline is from Ms. Jennifer Ramo, Executive Director of New Mexico Appleseed, an anti-poverty group based in New Mexico. I borrowed the quote because it is true. Thank goodness New Mexico was willing to tackle this school meal issue, unfortunately, I could not get a single Texas legislator to support an amendment to HB 3562 on which this petition is based. That being said, a couple of months ago I posted that Texas Representative Helen Giddings had filed HB 2159 which offers children some school meal protection, although not an amendment to HB 3162, it DOES address the same issue so I called it a win at the time. The attached New Mexico web link actually mentions and contains a link to Texas HB 2159. As shown here, Texas HB 2159 has passed the first of seven hurdles toward becoming law - http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB2159 I like that this bill addresses this important topic, although I wish one requirement were changed; The bill requires schools to continue providing students meals for a minimum of two weeks once their accounts become delinquent, I'd like to see that minimum timeframe increased. Life happens, and when it does it often takes more than two weeks to resolve. I totally understand WHY Rep. Giddings added the two week minimum, I just wish it were extended, I'd be happy with something closer to two months in case you're wondering. California is mentioned in the attached New Mexico article as yet another state that is offering children school meal protection. Kudos to Texas, New Mexico and California for addressing this issue head-on, I hope these initiatives are successful and that they protect children as intended. Have a great weekend everyone, and remember, #NoSchoolMealsDenied EVER! Kelvin