If the right-wing has its way, nutrition resources and the benefits they provide would be snatched away from children, families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Congressional leaders are looking to “fast track” budget legislation in the coming weeks that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. Two weeks ago, House Committee leaders discussed strategies to cut up to $250 billion from food assistance as part of their larger budget package. We cannot give handouts to the rich on the backs of the most vulnerable.
The proposal could lead to a 22% cut in SNAP by rescinding the most recent modest update of the Thrifty Food Plan―the program used to determine SNAP benefit amounts―and would negatively impact 41 million people per year. Let’s get specific: because of the update, benefits under the Thrifty Food Plan now average $6.20 per person per day. That’s the benefit level they want to slash.
Changes in SNAP proposed by the Republican Study Committee and Project 2025 include:
SNAP provides much more than just food assistance: It is a critical support system that promotes food security, economic well-being, and better health outcomes. The program plays a vital role in addressing hunger, reducing health care costs, and improving the long-term prospects of households with low incomes.
Cuts to SNAP would not only increase food insecurity but also shift costs to local governments and charities, which cannot fully meet the need. For example, while emergency food programs help, they only provide one meal for every nine meals that SNAP supplies. The proposed cuts would further strain food banks, food retailers, and those serving vulnerable populations.
3:00 PM
Hosts:
Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Raúl Grijalva
Sponsors:
The Center for Economic and Policy Research, the Washington Office on Latin America and the U.S. Network for Democracy in Brazil.
Location:
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
Room 2325
Please join us for a screening of the short documentary “I, A Black Woman, Resist” followed by a discussion with two leading experts on racism and feminism in Brazil about the life and legacy of Afro-Brazilian leader Marielle Franco, a staunch critic of police brutality and state-sanctioned violence who was assassinated on March 14, 2018.
Deeply rooted in the longstanding tradition of Black Feminist activism in Brazil, Marielle Franco dedicated herself to speaking truth to power and to uplifting and empowering marginalized communities in Brazil up until the final moments of her life. Featuring a first-hand account from Dr. Barber of the last event that Marielle attended at Casa das Pretas (Black Women’s House) on the night of her assassination, this short documentary seeks to raise awareness, build consciousness, and facilitate dialogue around the necessity of transnational solidarity in the fight against racism and the global struggle for Black Lives.
Co-Director Dr. Sharrelle Barber will speak and answer questions about her inspiration to create this documentary that bears witness to Marielle Franco’s life. Dr. Gladys Mitchell-Walthour will discuss the broader context of human rights and democracy in Brazil and the status of the Afro-Brazilian rights movement at this challenging juncture in the country’s history.
Please RSVP and direct questions to Marilyn.Zepeda@mail.house.gov.