Indiana Democrat Lawmaker Discusses Cuts to SNAP

WASHINGTON–Some of the deepest cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, or “food stamps” as it is known colloquially, have been proposed by the House. The U.S. Senate also plans deep cuts to their program in their version of the budget bill. Both versions are drawing criticism from Republican and Democrat lawmakers.

Indiana’s Frank Mrvan, a Democrat who represents the northwest part of the state, is one of those not only criticising the cuts, but asking for reconsideration.

“I’ve seen the tangible benefits of SNAP benefits in northwest Indiana,” he said on the House floor. “It is essential for many seniors, children and working families.”

Mrvan mentioned working with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, which serves families who are in financial trouble and can’t afford food.

“These cuts are being pushed under the false pretense of targeting waste, fraud and abuse and if that were truly the case, they would be part of the Farm Bill,” he said.

SNAP is funded as part of the Farm Bill, which is under normal conditions, put together every five years. The Farm Bill has been delayed by almost two years, with extensions of the 2018 Farm Bill now in effect.

“Instead this legislation rips food from the tables of those in need to pay for tax breaks for the most wealthy,” asserted Mrvan.

Mrvan urged his fellow congress people to reject the legislation, calling ot a betrayal of the most vulnerable.

More than 40 million Americans now receive SNAP benefits. In Indiana more than 610,000 Hoosiers receive SNAP benefits, or about 1 in 11 people.