Bill on food for low-income people passes SD panel

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PIERRE (AP) — A Senate panel has supported an amended bill that changes how low-income people can get help paying for food.

The measure cancels a 2004 program that gives refunds on sales tax for food to qualifying poor individuals.

The Senate Appropriations Committee amended the original measure that says Feeding South Dakota can use more than $800,0000 that remains for the tax refund program. Not all funds have been used because families who receive certain welfare assistance can't apply.

But a bill can't designate money for a specific private person or organization.

Sen. Corey Brown's amended bill allows any entity to apply for emergency food assistance grants from the leftover tax refund program funds. The Department of Social Services would allocate funding.

Senators voted 7-2 Wednesday, and the Senate floor votes next.

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