Bill Text: IL HB6027 | 2015-2016 | 99th General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Healthy Local Food Incentives Program to double the purchasing power of Illinois residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Creates the Healthy Local Food Incentives Fund as a special fund in the State treasury for the purpose of implementing the Program. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department shall make an annual grant of $1,000,000 from the Fund to a qualified Illinois non-profit organization or agency, which shall be distributed to participating Illinois farmers markets for the purpose of providing matching dollar incentives (up to a specified amount) for the dollar value of SNAP benefits spent on FINI eligible fruits and vegetables at participating Illinois farmers markets and producer-to-consumer venues. Provides that the qualified non-profit organization shall have a demonstrated track record of (i) building a statewide network; (ii) designing and implementing successful healthy food incentive programs that connect SNAP recipients with local producers; and (iii) other requirements. Provides that at least 60% of the moneys deposited into the Fund shall be distributed to participating Illinois farmers markets for healthy local food incentives; and that a maximum of 40% of the moneys deposited into the Fund shall be used for State and local level program development and other purposes. Requires the non-profit organization or agency to submit a progress report to the Department with certain information. Provides that no later than December 31, 2016, the Department shall adopt rules to implement the new provisions. Effective immediately.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 34-5)
Status: (Vetoed) 2016-11-30 - Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Omar Aquino [HB6027 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2015-HB6027-Veto_Message.html
August 19, 2015
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois House of Representatives,
99th General Assembly:
Today I return House Bill 6027, which establishes the Healthy Local Food Incentives Program administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The purpose of the program is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Illinois residents that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill authorizes, subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services to make an annual grant of $1,000,000 to a qualified non-profit organization, which would then distribute the funds to participating farmers market. The funds would be used to match benefit amounts spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
I thank the sponsors for their work to expand access to fresh produce and encourage heathy eating. I am concerned, however, that the bill allows up to 40% of the funds to be used for administrative funds. All of the funds should be directed to help SNAP beneficiaries. I also believe that this program should be limited to a $500,000 grant and a pilot program while we study its effectiveness and ensure that the funds are used to achieve the desired outcomes.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 6027, entitled AN ACT concerning public aid, with the following specific recommendations for change:
On page 3, line 3, by replacing $1,000,000 with $500,000; and
On page 3, by replacing line 25 with the following: (f) One-hundred percent of the moneys deposited into the Fund; and
On page 4, by replacing lines 1 through 6 with the following: for healthy local food incentives.; and
On page 5, immediate after line 3, by inserting the following: (i) This section is repealed on June 30, 2018.
With these changes, House Bill 6027 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rauner
GOVERNOR
