Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed new rules that could eliminate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps, for more than three million people. The rules would end automatic SNAP eligibility for those who are already receiving other federal assistance and would also end the ability of states to raise the income eligibility for low-income families with high housing and child care costs. It appears California, which is moving toward a $15 minimum wage to help with high housing costs, is Trump’s target.
The Western Center on Law and Poverty says ending automatic eligibility alone could mean a loss of SNAP benefits for 120,000 Californians, and it could also eliminate school meals for 170,000 children. Limiting a state’s ability to adjust eligibility requirements will drive even more people out of the SNAP program, known as CalFresh in California. The USDA said it is needed to eliminate abuse of the system, but it is really an attack on the poorest in our nation.
Trump has repeatedly called for slashing SNAP in his budgets, but Congress has not obliged. Now, he is trying to go around Congress to take basic food assistance away from children, working adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Rather than allowing automatic eligibility for those already qualifying for other assistance due to their low-income status, applicants will have to pass a review of their income and assets. If the new rule is enacted, families with a small amount of assets or savings will not qualify. They will end up using that savings to keep food on the table, instead of using it to build a brighter future.
The proposed rule threatens the health of the most vulnerable in our country, and L.A. Care will issue public comment in opposition before the public comment period ends September 23.