The CMS Board is particularly worried about how these budget cuts could impact free lunch programs and special education funding.

Board member Summer Nunn emphasized that cuts to free and reduced lunch funding could disproportionately harm lower-income students who depend on these meals.

If enacted, more than 40,000 CMS students could lose access to free school meals under the Community Eligibility Provision, which may see its qualifying threshold increase from 25% to 60%.

Democratic Rep. Alma Adams supported the CMS Board's concerns, while Republican Reps. Mark Harris and Tim Moore argued that the resolution does not explicitly cut Medicaid or school nutrition programs.

Charlotte education leaders are increasingly anxious that the budget will lead to significant cuts in the area's largest school district, affecting thousands of students.

On February 25, 2025, House Republicans passed a budget resolution that has raised significant concerns regarding potential cuts to Medicaid and free school meals for students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) district.

Despite assurances from some representatives that Medicaid funding will not be cut, CMS officials remain skeptical about the proposed budget's impact on their programs.

The budget resolution requires significant cuts, mandating the House Energy and Commerce Committee to identify $880 billion in reductions and the House Agriculture Committee to find $230 billion, raising alarms about funding for essential services.

As the final vote on the budget approaches, community members are urged to contact their Senators and House Representatives to voice their concerns.

The resolution passed narrowly, with bipartisan concerns about the implications for social services, as only one Republican joined Democrats in opposition.

Federal funding, which is vital for supporting 3,000 students with disabilities and around 800 educators in the district, may face reductions.

CMS Board Vice Chair Gregory 'Dee' Rankin warned that these cuts could exacerbate hunger among children in the community.