Congress
lack of passing the appropriations bill because of their
unwillingness to secure our borders will not effect USDA food
programs for now.
On
Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that
under direction of President Trump a plan was set up to make sure
full benefits will be provided for those receiving USDA’s
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or #SNAP for the month of
February. Despite the fact that Congress has neglected their duty to
pass an appropriations bill, USDA will work with States to provide
benefits earlier than usual. The plan also calls for other major
nutrition assistance programs be provided for February. The plan
ensures that low-income Americans will continue to have access to
critical nutrition needs at the end of January.
SNAP
continues under CR provision
Perdue
stated that USDA has been reviewing options, since the funding
expired on December 21, 2018. The solution was to use a provision
that granted them authority under the last Continuing Resolution in
order to sustain their obligations to keep programs on-going within
thirty days of the Continuing Resolution expiration. USDA will be
notifying States that they must take steps to request SNAP benefits
on or before January 20, 2019 to obtain early issuance for February.
The approximate total for SNAP benefits is $5.1 billion, which
includes State administrative expense of $350 million. USDA will work
with each State to divide the funds in an equal and efficient manner.
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Proposed
rule to change SNAP program
In
December 2018 Perdue announced a proposed rule change that would
lighten the load of the SNAP program and restore it to what it was
intended for, namely, to assist in difficult times when one was down
on their luck. The proposal is to move able-bodied recipients without
dependents back into a life of dignity by setting up work-related
programs that would lead to self-sufficiency. Perdue stated that
thirty-six states still use waivers to avoid this requirement and
encourage Governors across the States by letter to reconsider their
policies. He added that 'the American dream has never been to live on
Government benefits and that those who can work should work.'
Due
to the lack of a permanent legislative solution, the proposed
regulatory rule represents necessary reforms to SNAP, the projected
savings to taxpayers amounts to $15 billion over ten years. USDA
proposed that once the rules are finalized they will go into effect
October 1, 2019. After that date waivers will need to be approved
according to the new rules.
Other
food programs
Under
the direction of President Trump, USDA was also directed to make sure
funding was available for other major nutrition assistance programs
to continue. School meals and after-school programs will be available
through March. FNS programs, like providing assistance to food banks,
food for the elderly, and Tribal nations, will be provided for
February. At least $248 million will be allocated to States agencies,
with an additional $350 million at a later date. USDA will work with
States to extent resources as they become available.
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