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REMOVE WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR SNAP FROM THE FARM BILL

REMOVE WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR SNAP FROM THE FARM BILL

House Republican leadership is preparing for a floor vote on H.R. 2, the wide-reaching Farm Bill, potentially during the week of May 14th.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps over 40 million low-income Americans purchase food. Over 60% of SNAP recipients are children, adults over 65, or adults with disabilities. Research has shown that access to SNAP reduces poverty and food insecurity, leading to lasting improvements in recipients’ health and economic stability. SNAP access also helps non-disabled working age adults reenter the workforce by providing crucial financial support while they are in between jobs. Local economies benefit from SNAP as well; a 2010 U.S. Department of Agriculture analysis estimated that for every $1 dollar spent on SNAP benefits, $1.79 was reinvested into the economy.

Every 5 years Congress sets to the task of reauthorizing the Farm Bill, with SNAP representing approximately 80% of the total budget of the bill. For the first time, House Republicans have added new strict work requirements to the legislation, requiring millions of people who get food aid through SNAP to either have a job or attend job training classes for 20 hours a week. Those who violate the work requirements would become ineligible for SNAP benefits for a 1 year, with subsequent violations resulting in a 3-year loss of benefits. Collin Peterson (D-MN), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, said the SNAP changes would “increase food insecurity and hardship.”

SAMPLE CALL SCRIPT

Call Mike Turner at 202-225-6465

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from Dayton.

I’m calling today to urge Rep. Michael R. Turner to vote against the reauthorization of the Farm Bill if it includes any work requirements to access SNAP benefits. SNAP provides critical support to working families during tough times, and restricting access will worsen poverty and hurt local economies.

Thank you for all your hard work answering phones.