LegislativeUpdate
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Federal Legislation
Federal nutrition programs are on the cutting block. An amendment to eliminate categorical eligibility for SNAP (FAP, Food Stamps) was defeated in the Senate on Oct. 20. Michigan (US) Senators Stabenow and Levin protected this important provision, voting against the amendment.
In a bipartisan recommendation to the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have recommended $23 billion in cuts to mandatory spending programs within the Committees' jurisdiction. Hunger advocates are expecting a
$4-5 billion proposed cut to nutrition programs, with various cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, FAP in Michigan, formerly "food stamps") a strong possibility.
The Agriculture Committees have committed to providing the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction (the "Supercommittee") legislative language for spending cuts by November 1.
Prior to November 23 the Joint Committee ("Supercommittee) will decide on which, if any, cuts proposed by the Agriculture Committees they will adopt.
Three Michigan members of Congress hold infulential positions in these debates:
. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chair of the Agriculture Committee
. Representative Fred Upton, (R-St. Joseph) Supercommittee Member
. Representative Dave Camp (R-Midland), Supercommittee Member
ACTION
. Please consider call Senator Stabenow thanking her for her vote to protect SNAP
. Call Rep. Upton and/or Camp letting them know: "I strongly oppose the expected Agriculture Committee's recommendations to cut nutrition assistance programs as part of the deficit reduction. While I commend the Agriculture Committee for its bipartisan efforts to reduce the deficit, cutting the nutrition safety net is the wrong way to balance the budget."
. For all members of Congress: "Local food banks and agencies providing emergency food assistance are being stretched to the breaking point. Cuts to nutrition assistance would be devastating for struggling families in our communities. Charity simply cannot make up the difference if you cut these programs."
You can use Feeding Ameica's toll free connection line to contact the above legislators: 1-877-698-8228