SNAP Benefits: Major Changes Ahead

House Republicans have put forward a big budget plan. This plan wants to make President Trump's tax cuts permanent. To do this, they want to cut spending on important programs like SNAP and Medicaid. SNAP helps millions of low-income people buy groceries. The plan aims to cut $300 billion from these programs over the next 10 years. This is more than what was initially proposed. The proposed changes to SNAP are significant. Work requirements would be expanded to include people up to age 64. Currently, it's only for those up to 49. This means more people would need to work to keep their benefits. The plan also tightens eligibility rules. Experts worry this could make it harder for older adults and low-income workers to get or keep SNAP benefits. The bill also includes other changes. States would have to pay more of the administrative costs for SNAP. This could lead to delays in benefits due to increased paperwork. The plan also limits updates to the Thrifty Food Plan. This formula is used to calculate SNAP amounts. Reducing errors in payments is another goal. But critics argue these changes could push millions into deeper poverty.

Supporters of the plan say it encourages work and reduces dependency on food benefits. Critics, however, warn that it could strain vulnerable households even more. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that work requirements alone could cause 11 million people to lose benefits. That's about 1 in 4 SNAP recipients. The House Committee on Agriculture supports the changes. They believe it promotes work over welfare and saves taxpayer money. Senator Amy Klobuchar, however, criticizes the plan. She says it pulls the rug out from under families who rely on SNAP. Theresa Mangapora, from the Brazos Valley food bank, agrees. She warns that food banks can't compensate for such large cuts. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, the bill is likely to move forward. A House vote is expected in mid-June. The outcome of this vote will significantly impact millions of Americans who rely on SNAP for food assistance.

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