States Get New Options to Limit Food Stamps
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What’s the story?
The USDA issued a letter Tuesday that heralds a new era in the administration of food stamp programs, called SNAP, by the states. The letter to state food stamp coordinators offered “greater flexibility” in administering their programs in order to promote "self-sufficiency", "integrity", and "customer service".
According to a report by Politico, greater flexibility will allow some states to include drug testing of SNAP recipients and expand work requirements.
Republican Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin announced his intention to institute mandatory drug testing for all adult SNAP recipients. Walker has attempted to institute the requirement in the past, but was consistently blocked by the Obama administration.
The SNAP program already has work requirements. Over 58% of recipients nationwide work, and the majority of those who do not are ineligible due to age or disability. However, states are allowed to waive the requirement if unemployment is high. The administration has already floated the idea of restricting those waivers, requiring more people to find whatever employment in economically depressed areas or be kicked off the rolls.
Other measures allowed under the new, flexible guidelines will be announced in coming weeks, said the letter.
One in eight Americans currently receive SNAP benefits — approximately 44 million people. The program costs the federal government $70 billion annually. The average monthly benefit is $125.
What do you think?
Should states be afforded "greater flexibility" in administering food stamp programs? Are programs like the one in Wisconsin encouraging self-sufficiency or targeting the poor? Do you have concerns about the fate of the social safety net or do you think the administration is on the right track?
Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!
— Asha Sanaker
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Creative Commons)
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