There are many reasons to oppose USDA’s proposed SNAP rule, but they all come back to one main point–cutting people off SNAP is not an effective way to boost their economic security.
The USDA proposal is objectionable not only because it attempts to side-step Congress, by using rulemaking to overrule bipartisan consensus codified in the 2018 Farm Bill, but also for lack of justification. The agency provides no evidence to support their claim that these changes would encourage more of the SNAP participants who are subject to the work requirement to engage in meaningful work activities.
There is, however, substantial evidence that links SNAP participation to lasting improvements in health and economic security. SNAP works—harsh work requirements don’t.
Some of the many reasons to oppose this harmful regulation:
Many of those who’d be subject to a time limit on SNAP are workers, but the low-wage labor market is volatile, so they turn to SNAP when hours get cut or pay is too low.
Many of those who don’t work have health conditions that limit their ability to work, or face structural barriers that make work hard to find. This includes:
- People of color, particularly Black and Hispanic Americans, whom structural racism continues to exclude from economic opportunities.
- Women, who are overrepresented in low-wage work, and more likely to face workforce discrimination and harassment.
- Justice-involved individuals whose criminal record makes it difficult to secure housing, employment, and access to education.
- LBGTQ+ people who experience violence, discrimination, and social stigma that limits their ability to access jobs, education, and health care.
- Young adults, including former foster youth, who face high unemployment and difficulty finding jobs that pay a living wage.
Work requirements don’t cut poverty, and there’s evidence to support this claim.
If this administration truly aims to increase economic security among this population, it should increase access to education and workforce development services, rather than cut people off vital food assistance.
Act now to stop this harmful regulation!
No one should be penalized for lack of opportunity. Here’s how you can help stop this proposal from becoming law:
Read CFPA’s comments. PDF
Submit your own comment in opposition to the rule!
Download our template comments here.
Submit your comments here by April 2nd, 2019.
Spread the word!
After adding your comment on the rule, encourage at least two people in your network to do the same. Every comment matters!
Share this tweet to get the word out!
SNAP buys food, which frees up money for other necessities that make it possible to work (like housing and transportation). SNAP supports work—taking SNAP away from people does not. Speak out against USDA’s harsh & counterproductive rule http://bit.ly/CommentFRAC #HandsOffSNAP
Questions? Contact: Jared Call at 213.482.8200 ext 201
