Trump admin final SNAP rule cuts benefits to hundreds of thousands
Today, the Trump Administration issued a draconian rule in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) that will cut off basic food assistance for nearly 700,000 of the nation’s poorest and most destitute people. This rule affects SNAP participants ages 18 through 49 who aren’t raising minor children in their homes and limits them to just 3 months of benefits every 3 years unless they are employed 20 hours a week or participating in some other work program. The rule goes into effect April 1, 2020.
Previously, states were able to seek waivers of the 3-month benefit limit for places where there is high unemployment. Minnesota has sought and secured waivers for 26 counties mostly in northern Minnesota along with tribal reservations.
We’re deeply disappointed in the Trump administration’s decision to go ahead with SNAP rule changes despite overwhelming comments in opposition to the rule. This change in SNAP rules hurts some of the most vulnerable people in our state. 26 counties and most tribal reservations in Minnesota currently have waivers allowing them to issue SNAP benefits to low-income adults without children who live in areas with higher than average unemployment.
Most Minnesotans are already working or want to work, but taking away food benefits from people who are struggling with unemployment and low wages in places with few job prospects is cruel and unnecessary. It’s hard to find a job if you can’t eat.