MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — The state Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to allow Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services to seek a federal waiver prohibiting FoodShare recipients from purchasing candy or soda with their benefits.
“You know what? Kids from families that qualify for food share might deserve a little candy and soda now and then too. And ultimately, I think we all want to support health. We all understand that most of our diet shouldn’t be candy and soda. We all want to support healthy foods. But micromanaging the grocery purchases of low-income folks is not the way to accomplish that,” said Beloit Democrat Mark Spreitzer.
Republicans attached $69 million and 70 positions for DHS to help ensure quality control of FoodShare and keep the error rate low. Because it includes the funding he requested, Democratic Governor Tony Evers is expected to sign it. The bill previously passed the Assembly prior to Tuesday’s bipartisan 25-8 Senate vote.
