Human Needs Report Archive
The Human Needs Report is CHN’s newsletter on national policy issues affecting low-income and other vulnerable populations.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT: Tell Trump's USDA, Don't Cut SNAP
Far too many Americans struggle with poverty, food insecurity, a poor diet and obesity. Research shows SNAP alleviates these problems and improves the health and well-being of millions of people across our country.
Improving SNAP benefits would further increase the effectiveness of this program. But the Trump administration wants to do exactly the opposite. Through a new rule change, the USDA is seeking to slice $4.5 billion in funds from SNAP over 5 years.
Each state must be allowed to account for the costs of utilities as they calculate SNAP benefits. This new USDA rule proposal, however, unfairly standardizes and caps Standard Utility Allowance calculations across the country based on inadequate survey data―resulting in dramatic cuts to food stamps.
Let’s unite our voices and send the USDA a strong message: We will not allow SNAP to be cut. Tell Sec. Perdue: This rule change would exacerbate the struggles of millions of low-income Americans. The proposed rule is flawed and must be withdrawn.
The details:
Under current law, SNAP takes into account the utility expenses of each SNAP household. States adjust household benefits based on a state-specific Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) calculated by the state and approved by USDA. The current policy allows variances in SUAs to accommodate for differences in utility costs and rates, and allows states flexibility in how they calculate those costs. The Trump administration’s proposed rule would standardize and cap SUA calculations across the country based on inadequate survey data―substantially cutting essential benefits for 7.2 million Americans in the process.
