6.10.2013 On Monday, June 10th the U.S. Senate passed a Farm Bill, S 954, by a 66 – 27 vote. S 954 includes a $4 billion cut to SNAP and an amendment that would bar former violent offenders from participating in SNAP.
To pay for SNAP cuts, the Senate Farm Bill removes the policy option known as ‘heat and eat’ which simplifies paperwork and streamlines enrollment. Eliminating ‘Heat and Eat’ would hurt around 300,000 CA families, who would lose an average of $62 benefits every month. California would lose out on $155 million federal nutrition dollars flowing into the state every year. That money not only provides CA families with food, but it also effectively stimulates the economy, supporting California farmers, grocers, and workers.
The House Farm Bill, HR 1947
The House is expected to take up HR 1947 next week, which includes a $20 billion cut to SNAP. It would reverse CA’s efforts to simplify paperwork and streamline enrollment in SNAP by removing the ‘heat and eat’ initiative (as in S 954) and by restricting the use of ‘categorical eligibility’ policies which promote asset development and retention. ‘Categorical eligibility’ policies are pivotal in preventing Californians from hitting ‘rock bottom’ and exhausting their resources before applying for SNAP.
Take action
If you have not already done so, remind your California Representatives that you do not support a Farm Bill that includes any cuts to SNAP. Urge them to stand strong in preserving and protecting SNAP. Recommend that they cosponsor and/or support any amendments that would restore SNAP cuts. Plug in your zip code to find contact information for your Representative Link
Background Information
Voting Summary on S 954 Link
Analysis of SNAP Cuts in House Proposal by Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Link
