SNAP original intent was to give a second chance, not a way of life

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addressed an U.S. Senate hearing last week about the need to restore SNAP to its original intent. USDA had already published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to move more able-bodied recipients of SNAP benefits to self-sufficiency through the dignity of work. The rule aims to restore the system to what it was meant to be: assistance through difficult times, not lifelong dependency. The proposed rule focuses on work-related program requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and would apply to non-disabled people, between the ages of 18 and 49, with no dependents. The rule would not apply to the elderly, the disabled, or pregnant women. Those who are eligible to receive SNAP – including the underemployed – would still qualify.

He noted the absence of any statutory changes to the welfare reform legislation of 1996, an abuse of administrative flexibility in SNAP has undermined the ideal of self-sufficiency. When then President Bill Clinton signed the legislation that instituted work requirements for ABAWDs. Perdue said, “First and foremost, it should be about moving people from welfare to work. It should impose time limits on welfare, it gives structure, meaning and dignity to most of our lives.”

December 2018 data from the Department of Labor announced that job openings reached 7.3 million and that just under 6.3 million Americans were unemployed. USDA’s proposal would help to ensure that work provisions are waived only when necessary, encouraging states to renew their focus on helping SNAP participants find a path to self-sufficiency. USDA continues to encourage all interested parties to provide input on the proposed rule. The comment period opened on February 1 and closes on April 2.

Fact Sheet: SNAP Requirements for ABAWDs (PDF, 111 KB)

Proposed Rule: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (PDF, 300 KB)

 

USDA set up to extent SNAP and other Food programs into February

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.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2019/000319

https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/snap/PerdueGovLetter.pdf