Why Did USDA Proposed SNAP Reforms?

Shortly after conservatives failed to get SNAP reforms added to the 2018 Farm Bill, the USDA proposed a rule that would restrict the ability of states to exempt work-eligible adults from having to obtain steady employment to receive food stamps.

Why proposed such changes?

“These regulatory changes by USDA will reward more Americans with the virtue of work," said Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue.  "These actions will save hard working taxpayers $15 billion over ten years and give President Trump comfort to support a Farm Bill he might otherwise have opposed.”

Perdue noted he would rather see Congress implement needed changes, but if lawmakers won’t he said the USDA would.  The USDA’s proposed rule would strip states’ ability to issue waivers unless a city or county has an unemployment rate of 7% or higher.  The waivers would be good for one year and would require the governor to support the request.  States would no longer be able to bank their 15% exemptions.

SNAP currently serves roughly 40 million Americans.

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