By Gwen Moore and Sherrie Tussler

 

"That I finally let myself do this. Never thought I would ever be in this position — never."

—A response from a Wisconsin senior, when asked what is the most positive outcome in applying for SNAP.

 

 

In an ideal world, every parent would have the means to provide for his or her children, the American economy would continually grow and no worker would ever experience job insecurity. However, it is not an ideal world, and the decisions legislators make have real-world consequences for those they represent.

 

Drastic and irresponsible cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps or FoodShare in Wisconsin, are currently being proposed in Congress. Many assume that the impact of these cuts would be limited and would not affect them or their communities. The reality, however, is that the impact of the cuts will be felt beyond the thousands of families across Wisconsin, and millions across our nation, who rely on SNAP benefits. Our local communities also will suffer from missing the economic stimulus of benefits being spent.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in local economic activity. In 2012, the average monthly SNAP benefit in Wisconsin was $116.50. This number means over $1 billion was generated to help stimulate the Wisconsin economy last year.

 

SNAP is authorized by the Farm Bill, which is overdue for reauthorization. Two current proposals in the House threaten SNAP at a time when we cannot afford to weaken a key safety net for the poor. Rep. Frank Lucas, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, is proposing a Farm Bill that would cut SNAP by $20 billion over 10 years. This translates to more than 50,000 people in Wisconsin and more than 3 million across the United States who could face the loss of SNAP benefits.

 

Separately, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), chairman of the House Budget Committee, has proposed a deficit-reduction plan that would cut SNAP by $135 billion over 10 years. More than 13 million Americans, and as many as 230,000 in Wisconsin, could lose their benefits under his plan.

 

These proposals come on top of already scheduled reductions in FoodShare benefits that will go into effect in November. At that time, temporary increases in benefit levels, which were included in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, are set to expire.

 

In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County would be disproportionately hurt by these cuts because of the large number of people living in poverty in our county. These cuts also would negatively affect households in every corner of the state. In Rock County, home of Ryan, nearly 2,000 people could lose their benefits under Lucas' plan and nearly 8,500 could lose benefits under Ryan's plan.

 

One out of every seven people in Wisconsin right now is eligible for SNAP benefits based on his or her income. Our families, friends and neighbors will suffer if these cuts occur.

 

Reducing access to programs such as SNAP does not mean that the individuals who rely on these services will disappear overnight. They will turn to the emergency food network: churches and community and civic organizations.

 

Unfortunately, we know these agencies will not have sufficient resources to meet the increased need. Wisconsin and other states are still grappling with high unemployment, and many participants in SNAP are already working but not making enough to support their households. Reducing access to SNAP before addressing the underlying economic conditions that have caused recent increased hunger in our communities is putting the cart before the horse.

 

Under the House Agriculture Committee proposal, Wisconsin would lose over $74 million in direct benefits and over $132 million in economic activity. Ryan's plan would cost Wisconsin even more — over $320 million in direct benefits and almost $575 million in economic impact. That will hit everyone's bottom line.

 

Regardless of the intent of those who propose these cuts, our economy and our most vulnerable cannot afford them. As a nation, we can and we must do better.

 

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) represents the 4th Congressional District. Sherrie Tussler is executive director of Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee's free and local food bank and anti-hunger public policy agency.

 

 

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