Congresswoman Pingree intervenes to stop dramatic cut for families in Maine and 16 other states

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said Maine families facing a dramatic decrease in SNAP (formerly the food stamp program) benefits will be getting a last minute reprieve and three month extension. Pingree intervened with the Obama Administration after hearing from constituents about the pending cuts, which had been scheduled to take place starting tomorrow, and they will now be postponed for at least three months.

In 2008 SNAP recipients in Maine and 16 other states got extra benefits because of the high price of fuel. This special waiver program was set to expire tomorrow, but will now be extended for three months while the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP benefits, reconsiders their decision.

Pingree said she heard from desperate constituents who had suddenly learned they would have substantially less money to spend on food, starting tomorrow.

“We’ve gotten dozens of calls from Maine families who are facing dramatic cuts in their SNAP benefits,” Pingree said. “For example, one man—a veteran—said his SNAP benefits were going to go from $70 to $10 a week.”

Pingree called Kevin Concannon, the Undersecretary of Agriculture responsible for the program that distributes SNAP benefits. Concannon was the former Commissioner of Health and Human Services in Maine.

“I’ve known Kevin for years and I knew he would understand how serious this situation is,” Pingree said. “The Administration responded and agreed to extend this program while they reconsider their original decision. In this tough economy, we can’t be yanking this safety net out from under families.”