Illinois Attorney General Joins Lawsuit Against USDA for Unlawful Suspension of SNAP Benefits

Strategic Insights -

At a time of rising costs for families, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has sparked outrage from 27 attorneys general and governors, who claim the move is both unlawful and cruel. The lawsuit, filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, argues that the USDA has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds, which could be used to prevent the suspension of benefits. The move is expected to affect nearly 2 million Illinoisans and 42 million individuals across the country who rely on SNAP to buy food.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed by 27 attorneys general and governors, challenges the USDA's decision to suspend SNAP benefits, citing a lack of authority to do so under federal law.
  • The USDA has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds, which could be used to prevent the suspension of benefits.
  • The suspension of SNAP benefits is expected to affect nearly 2 million Illinoisans and 42 million individuals across the country who rely on the program.
  • The lawsuit argues that suspending SNAP benefits is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The USDA's decision to suspend SNAP benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions of Americans, including increased food insecurity, strain on state and local governments, and harm to grocers and merchants.

Statistics:

  • 42 million individuals across the country rely on SNAP to buy food.
  • 2 million Illinoisans will be affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits.
  • $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.
  • The USDA has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds.
  • The lawsuit challenges the USDA's decision to suspend SNAP benefits, citing a lack of authority to do so under federal law.

Sources:

  • National Association of Attorneys General. (2022). Statement on the Lawsuit Against the USDA Regarding SNAP Benefits.
  • Office of the Illinois Attorney General. (2022). Press Release: Attorney General Raoul Joins Lawsuit Against USDA Over SNAP Cuts.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Letter to State SNAP Agencies Announcing Suspension of SNAP Benefits.