6.5.2012 This week, the Senate is expected to begin consideration of the Farm Bill. For the next few weeks, the Senate will consider amendments and debate the bill passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee. This bill proposal includes a $4.5 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years by reducing the ability of states to take part in the “Heat and Eat” program. The cut would mean that an estimated 500,000 households a year across the country could lose up to $90 per month in SNAP benefits (Congressional Budget Office estimate).
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has announced that she will introduce an amendment to the Farm Bill that restores the $4.5 billion cut to SNAP and invests $500 million the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack program. She has circulated a “Dear Colleague Letter” in the Senate asking for other Senator to cosponsor the amendment.
Take a look at Senator Gillibrand’s proposed Farm Bill amendment. link
While we do not yet know what other amendments will be brought to the floor for a vote, we need to send a strong message to our Senators asking that they cosponsor Senator Gillibrand’s amendment and oppose any harmful SNAP amendments that may be brought to the floor.
Contact your Senators by calling the toll-free hotline at 877-698-8228 or sending them a faxed letter urging them to demonstrate their support for SNAP by co-sponsoring the Gillibrand SNAP amendment. Senate offices should be directed to contact Kathryn Tanner in Sen. Gillibrand’s office, Kathryn_tanner@gillibrand.senate.gov, if they are interested in co-sponsoring the amendment.
CFPA Sample Letter/Phone Call Script. DOC
Questions? Contact Matt Sharp at 213.482.8200 or Alexis Fernandez at 510.433.1122 x111
