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.
CHN blogpost recapping this event along with resources and the recording: Our Path Forward: Advocates nationwide join in CHN’s webinar on how to protect people despite threats from the new Administration and Congress
You know much is at risk as the new Congress gets started, even before Inauguration Day. People across the nation are concerned about high costs, but there are serious threats that Congress and the new Administration will make things worse for many millions of people, while enriching multi-millionaires and corporations with more tax breaks.
But this is not a done deal.
The congressional majority is slim and divided. We can protect people and the programs they need – if we work together.
Find out how you can make a difference. You’ll hear about strategies that have worked in the past and can work again. You’ll learn about resources and tools to make it easier for you to join in.
You’ll hear from national experts on how to protect children, families, immigrants, people who need health care, food aid, and more.
– Linda Spears | President and CEO – Child Welfare League of America
– Raha Wala | Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy
National Immigration Law Center
– Amy Matsui | Senior Director of Income Security – National Women’s Law Center
– Deborah Weinstein | Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs
– Dorian Warren | Co-President Community Change
– Ellen Teller – moderator | Chief Government Affairs Officer, Food Research & Action Center