Senator Ronda Storms
February 7, 2012 by staff · Comments Off on Senator Ronda Storms
Senator Ronda Storms, In an attempt to cut down on purchases of junk food on the government’s dime, Florida Sen. Ronda Storms is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit the use of food stamps to purchase sweets.
The Republican lawmaker says she was appalled at watching people in supermarkets use their food stamps to buy soda, candy and other junk foods, and that if they want to buy unhealthy stuff, they should pay with their own money — how it’s done with tobacco and alcohol.
Storms’ measure would prohibit all 3.3 million food stamp users in Florida from buying any candy, pre-made cakes, trans fats, Jello, Popsicles, ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, pies, muffins and all sweetened drinks.
Yet, even if the bill passes the Legislature, legal challenges would kill it — since any changes in the law have to come from Washington because food stamps are federally funded.