April 2003

In This Issue:
• Most Nutrition Programs Spared from Budget Cuts
• Fiscal Year 2003 Funding Finalized
• California Clout Increases on House Agriculture Committee
• Food Donation Bill Passes Senate
• National Policy Memos Available On-Line

Most Nutrition Programs Spared from Budget Cuts
Congressional conferees have negotiated a temporary agreement on the fiscal year 2004 budget that delays a decision on tax cuts and avoids reductions in mandatory programs, including food stamps, child nutrition, and TEFAP. The fiscal 2004 budget resolution, approved by both the Senate and the House on April 10 by very close votes, eliminates a provision proposed by the House that would have cut spending for federal nutrition assistance programs by more than $19 billion over the next 10 years. The non-binding budget resolution sets broad guidelines for federal spending.
Mandatory spending for agriculture programs, including the Food Stamp, School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child Care, and Emergency Food Assistance Programs, was exempted from reductions in the deal. However, discretionary programs, such as the WIC Program, will still face considerable budget pressures, as Congress seeks offsets to pay for the tax cuts.
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mvauthier :: Apr.25.2003 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »