Debit cards for teachers.

I saw on the news that the governor initiated a program where counties could receive debit cards for teachers to spend $250.00 for supplies for their classrooms. I also saw that both Sarasota and Manatee counties rejected the cards. The reason given was that the cards would not be available until the first of September.
Why would they reject the cards because of that? Why would they reject them at all? When I was in school, we took a pencil, a notebook and paper and that was it. Now the schools want you to send antiseptic gel, Kleenex, and many other items with your child. The teachers are famous for buying items out of their own pockets for their classrooms. Why would any one in their right mind reject a debit card of $250 to buy supplies?