The state is looking to make some changes to the FoodShare program. A new bill was approved that aims to stop people on food stamps from buying candy and soft drinks. The Assembly passed this legislation with a 70-23 vote, showing support from both parties. The bill was tweaked to include an idea from Governor Tony Evers, adding more state funds to help adapt to recent changes made by the federal government.
Some representatives are raising concerns about this bill. Rep. Ryan Clancy from Milwaukee believes it targets low-income individuals unfairly. He argues that it’s more about punishing people than promoting health. Clancy pointed out that the bill could lead to more bureaucracy, requiring an additional $3 million for retailers to figure out what items would no longer be allowed.
On the other hand, Rep. Clint Moses from Menomonie highlighted the rising obesity rates in Wisconsin. He noted that FoodShare already bans items like alcohol and tobacco. Redirecting benefits towards healthier food could potentially improve public health and save money in the long run, he suggested.
The proposed bill also includes definitions of what constitutes candy and soft drinks. Candy covers a variety of sweets, while soft drinks encompass any non-alcoholic beverages with sweeteners, like soda and energy drinks. Interestingly, the bill does not ban baked goods such as cakes and cookies.
This initiative is tied to some serious financial implications. Under new federal guidelines, states that fail to keep their food stamp eligibility rates below a certain level risk losing significant funding. Wisconsin’s error rate was nearly 4.5% last year; if it goes above 10%, the state could lose over $204 million.
Also concerning is a recent request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for states to provide detailed information about FoodShare participants. This has raised privacy issues, leading Wisconsin’s Attorney General Josh Kaul to challenge the request in court.
In sum, this bill reflects ongoing debates about health, poverty, and government assistance. How it evolves will likely impact many in Wisconsin, especially low-income families relying on food stamps.
For additional insights on food assistance programs, you can refer to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
