Alabama Faces Major Financial Burden from Proposed SNAP Changes
By [Your Name] – WASHINGTON
Alabama could be forced to allocate millions of dollars annually to help finance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under a new Republican proposal that aims to cut $290 billion from the program over the next decade. The House Agriculture Committee recently advanced this aspect of President Trump’s budget, dividing the financial responsibility of SNAP benefits and administrative costs between the federal government and states.
Currently, the federal government fully funds SNAP, but the new plan would require states, including Alabama, to shoulder up to 15% of the costs starting in fiscal year 2028, depending on their payment error rate. For Alabama, this could translate to approximately $90 million a year at the minimum cost share rate, raising concerns about significant impacts on the state’s budget and thousands of needy residents.
Feeding Alabama’s CEO, Laura Lester, warned that these changes could jeopardize both food access and local economies. She emphasized that the repercussions extend beyond individuals reliant on benefits, affecting rural grocery stores, farmers, and the overall community.
Congressional representatives voiced strong opposition to the proposal. Rep. Shomari Figures, a Democrat, expressed skepticism over the state’s capacity to absorb these additional costs, highlighting that over a billion dollars in SNAP benefits flow into Alabama annually. Conversely, Rep. Barry Moore, a Republican, contended that shifting costs would make states more accountable and reduce fraud.
The legislation also introduces expanded work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries, stirring further debate about the implications for vulnerable populations.
As the House Budget Committee prepares for a crucial markup, the state’s SNAP program remains under close scrutiny, with advocates fearing increased hunger and hardship for Alabama’s low-income families.
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