The proposal would impose significant costs on state budgets
unless states kick people off benefits.
Republicans in Congress are considering a proposal to shift the costs of food assistance programs from the federal government to the states, a move that could significantly alter the structure of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This proposal, discussed in a recent House Agriculture Committee meeting, aims to address the federal budget deficit by reducing federal spending on SNAP, which currently supports over 40 million Americans. Critics argue that this shift could lead to disparities in food assistance across states, potentially reducing benefits in states with tighter budgets. Proponents believe it would encourage states to manage the program more efficiently. The proposal is part of broader discussions on the upcoming farm bill, which is set to expire in September 2023.