Nutrition Assistance

I believe strongly in the efficacy of social programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC. As we work toward economic recovery, thousands of Washington State’s children, veterans, seniors, disabled and hard-working families rely on SNAP to make sure there is food on the table. SNAP has proven to be an incredibly successful program in helping those who wish to enter the middle class get the support they need. 

Recently, the President signed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARM Bill) into law. Although I was encouraged at the bipartisan compromise that went in to passing this bill, I could not vote for legislation that will take benefits away from 850,000 households around the country by cutting $8.5 billion in SNAP benefits. Additionally, these cuts will have a disproportionate impact on Washington State, one of 16 states to use the LIHEAP Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) program to bolster nutrition benefits for low-income individuals. Because the conference report adopted the provision requiring that states pay households at least $20 in LIHEAP contributions in order to qualify for enriched essential SNAP benefits, Washington State will have to identify an extra $12 million annually to support low-income individuals who desperately need the assistance the previous Farm Bill guaranteed.

I will continue to be an advocate for access to nutritious food for all Americans, and will closely follow efforts being taken in the Ninth District to improve access to nutritional support by local organizations. 

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