Bill Introduced to Have RI Offset Loss in Federal COVID SNAP Benefits to Families
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Rhode Island State Representative David Morales has introduced legislation that would temporarily extend additional support for individuals and families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“Across every city and town, we have a total of over 80,000 households in our state that depend on SNAP to access nutritious food and their daily groceries,” said Representative Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence). “With increasing food costs and supply chain issues, our working people, families, and seniors cannot afford to see a reduction in their SNAP benefits. Even with a lack of federal support, our state has the responsibility to step up and help our neighbors.”
Under the 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the federal government increased SNAP benefits for qualifying households by an average of $95 per month. That funding contributed to nationwide reductions in child hunger and poverty. As of March 1, however, the extra federal benefits will expire.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
About Bill
The legislation (2023-H 5799) would direct the Department of Human Services to offset this loss of benefits by increasing the monthly SNAP allotment to families by an additional $95 per month from July 1 through December 31, 2023.
“During the height of the pandemic, increased federal and state support for SNAP helped reduce childhood hunger and poverty,” said Morales
“So while we made clear and meaningful progress, it is alarming to see us falling backwards as we still have neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity. By passing this legislation, however, we will protect our working people, families, and seniors who are losing additional benefits to no fault of their own.”
Related Articles
- Penalties for Attacks on Electric Grid Would Be Increased Under This RI Bill
- Bill Introduced to Fund Lead Service Line Replacements at No Cost to Property Owners or Tenants
- Bill to Allow Physician-Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill Patients Introduced in RI
- A Proposed RI Bill Would Restrict Number of Self-Checkouts at Grocery Stores
- Legislation Introduced in RI to Raise Minimum Wage for Teens
- Why Does Our Legislature Pass Auto Body Legislation But Not the Line-Item Veto? - Block
- 2020 Election Profile: David Morales, House District 7
