Sturgis-Coldwater News

State Senator Jonathan Lindsey introduced two bills on Thursday aimed at enhancing health outcomes for residents of Michigan. The proposed Senate Bills 227 and 228 focus on promoting healthier choices through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and addressing food safety in schools.

Senate Bill 227 proposes that Michigan joins other states in requesting a waiver to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soda. Lindsey, a Republican from Coldwater, stated, “The keyword when it comes to SNAP is nutrition. Soda and its high sugar content have become a serious detriment to the health of Michiganders. These drinks possess no nutritional value.” Indiana, Arkansas, and Idaho have also announced their intentions to seek a similar waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The second bill, SB 228, targets the elimination of foods containing harmful additives and dyes in schools. It intends to ban the distribution of foods that contain substances such as brominated vegetable oil, titanium dioxide, and Red 40. Lindsey highlighted the potential risks associated with these substances, noting their adverse effects on children's health, particularly linking Red 40 to heightened ADHD symptoms and its association with tumors in test studies on mice. “Removing these harmful chemicals from our schools is a great first step to protect Michigan’s children,” Lindsey added.

Additionally, House Bill 4305 was introduced by Representative Brad Paquette, offering a House version of Lindsey’s SB 227. Paquette, a Republican from Niles, commented on the importance of aligning SNAP benefits with nutritional goals, saying, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program should supplement nutrition or change its name. We can begin by removing pop from purchasable items here in Michigan. This doesn’t mean anyone wants pop banned; it means that we do not want the taxpayer to pay for it when the program is meant to supplement food and drinks that offer nutritional value.”

Lindsey and Paquette's legislative efforts reflect a growing trend in state-level initiatives to prioritize nutrition and safety in public assistance programs and educational settings.