Republicans in the House and Senate are proposing to slash more than $230 billion from SNAP and school nutrition programs in order to fund more tax handouts for the wealthy and billion-dollar corporations. But it’s far from a done deal.
SNAP is not only our most effective anti-hunger program, it plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and improving health and economic outcomes. It’s also linked to better education outcomes and self-sufficiency, and plays an important role in supporting rural communities.
SNAP is one of the most cost-effective government programs in existence. Every dollar spent on SNAP generates $1.80 in local communities. Cuts to SNAP and school nutrition programs will have devastating consequences for generations to come.
Individual states currently pay a portion of the cost of administering SNAP, while the federal government pays the actual benefits. Implementing a $230 billion cut could force states to take on a portion of the cost of nutrition benefits for the first time, a radical change in the program that could lead to drastic cuts, increasing wait times for approval for benefits, or put a huge squeeze on states leading to slashed investments in other programs.
Cutting SNAP (and Medicaid, another right-wing target) also makes it harder for eligible families to obtain free or reduced-price school meals, summer food assistance for school-aged children (Summer EBT), and WIC benefits. School meal programs and Summer EBT automatically enroll eligible children using SNAP and Medicaid, while WIC agencies use automated systems to check for SNAP or Medicaid eligibility. In addition, the House Budget Committee has put forth numerous specific budget-cutting proposals, including a $12 billion cut to free school breakfast and lunch programs, affecting 24,000 schools nationwide.
Cutting funding for nutrition programs in order to pay for some of Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax handout―mostly to the wealthy and corporations―is an abomination.
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Tuesday, June 18th at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC
Reception begins at 6:00 PM, followed by awards ceremony.
Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) has the distinct honor of celebrating progressive leaders for over 70 years at our annual awards reception. It has been our privilege to honor liberal giants like Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Sherrod Brown, and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich as well as rising stars such as Virginia Delegate Danica Roem.
Join us Tuesday, June 18th at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC as we celebrate champions and fuel our work in this important year.
ADA is proud to honor:
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) with ADA’s 2019 Frances Perkins Public Service Award for her steadfast advocacy for progressive change.
America’s Federal Workers with ADA’s 2019 Reuther/Chavez Workers’ Rights award and have AFGE President J. David Cox accepting the award (presented by Congressman Andy Levin (D-MI))
Nan Aron of Alliance for Justice with ADA’s Winn Newman Lifetime Award (presented by Heidi Hartmann of IWPR)
