Congress Introduces Legislation to Extend SNAP Flexibilities

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif) has co-introduced the Emergency SNAP Flexibilities Extension Act, which would allow states to extend administrative flexibilities for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until June 30, 2021. The legislation, sponsored by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11), aims to prevent the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) from ending pandemic-related waivers that currently help states serve an ever-growing population of hungry individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Emergency SNAP Flexibilities Extension Act (HR 7794) was introduced to extend the blanket SNAP waivers approved by the USDA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The legislation would allow states to extend SNAP certification periods, adjust periodic reporting and interview requirements, and use simplified reporting in lieu of regular recertification requirements.
  • The bill aims to prevent the USDA from ending pandemic-related waivers that currently help states serve an ever-growing population of hungry individuals.
  • The legislation would also enable states to use simplified reporting in lieu of regular recertification requirements for some, or all, of their recertifications through December 31, 2021.
  • The bill comes as the USDA has recently denied or delayed extending waivers and has announced that it is unlikely to extend these waivers for the majority of states starting in September 2020.
  • Congressman Panetta serves on the House Agriculture Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Subcommittee, along with Congresswoman Fudge, who chairs the subcommittee.

Statistics:

  • The number of households pushed into food insecurity by the continued economic fallout from the pandemic: millions.
  • The number of Americans likely to be affected by the end of pandemic-related waivers: children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
  • The number of states for which the USDA is unlikely to extend waivers: majority of states starting in September 2020.
  • The Bill's extension of waiver deadlines: June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)
  • MIL OSI USA News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2020 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com