JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
As part of the much debated Farm Bill, a proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives is looking to cut $16 billion over the next ten years from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formally known as food stamps.
"Now is the wrong time to be looking at making cuts to the SNAP program," said director of the Mississippi Economic Policy Center, Ed Sivak.
Sivak says every dollar spent on SNAP generates an additional $1.73 in economic activity. In Mississippi, more than 650,000 people are currently enrolled in the program. That's almost 300,000 households with a payout of more than $81.3 million. That payout is twice as much as four years ago.
The sharp increase is attributed to recent economic conditions. Sivak says any cuts won't just be cuts to those enrolled.
"It's important that you look at the big picture. Not only does SNAP help bridge the gap for working families to help them put food on the table, it's also an important revenue source for local businesses as well," said Sivak. "This program is critically important for supporting local grocers and is a source of job creation."
"Simply because you have the Farm Bill moving through the normal process, does not necessarily mean that it will effect change immediately," said Department of Human Services deputy administrator for programs, John Davis.
Davis says those who are enrolled in SNAP have no need to worry at this point, because the cuts aren't final.
"We do take the wait and see attitude as far as we have to actually wait for those policies to be enacted," said Davis.
Congressional leaders say with the current budget deficit, cuts are necessary to keep SNAP functioning. With the House's $16 billion proposal, there's a $4.5 billion version in the Senate. That could mean an expected cut of somewhere in the middle.
To see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits, click on the link below.
http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/ea_snapetapplication.html
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