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Assembly Bill 1503 claims to “discontinue the use of unhealthy fried foods and trans-fats in order to receive a 6 cent increase (from 15 to 21 cents) in the state reimbursement rate for free and reduced-priced meals.”(Quote found on Assemblywoman Jean Fuller’s Assembly Web page)  This description of AB1503 is not entirely accurate.  Schools, according to current law, already receive a 21 cent reimbursement rate for free and reduced-priced meals.  This legislation would amend current law to require schools to discontinue the use of fried foods and trans-fats.  If schools don’t or are unable to comply then they will be Penalized by reducing their reimbursement rate from 21 to 15 cents. AB 1503 does not increase the reimbursement rate 6 cents for schools which comply it actually penalizes schools for non-compliance.

This bill is essentially an unfunded mandate.  It requires schools to serve our children more nutritious food but does not provide any additional funding.  Ensuring that our children receive nutritious and well balance meals is a good and noble cause. Most people would readily support such a cause.  However, penalizing schools by reducing the meal reimbursement rate is not a good idea.  The description of AB1503 put forth by Ex-Superintendent Fuller and her staff is deceptive and should be revised.

Assemblywoman Fuller ran as a fiscal-conservative.  If she wants to help balance the budget then perhaps she should look to save money in ways that doesn’t include taking money away from our kid’s cafeteria.

I invite you to read the Legislation for yourself. The following is a link to the actual bill.  The italicized portions of the bill are the changes she is proposing.  You will see that the reimbursement rate is already 21 cents.  I also invite you to visit her website to see the description of AB1503 for yourself.