Assembly and Senate want universal school meals in New York

Universal meals in New York schools is being advanced this week by state lawmakers who are backing $280 million in the budget negotiations for the plan. The universal school meals proposal has gained traction in the state Legislature over the last several weeks, drawing support from Democrats as well as Republican lawmakers after federal support for the program ended. It’s estimated nearly 800,000 students in New York’s schools would benefit from the school meal plan.