How Trump’s Food Stamp Cuts May Impact Oregon’s Budget and Hunger Crisis, According to Rep. Salinas

Oregon faces a tough challenge with its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The state will soon need to find millions more to support the program, but how it plans to cover these costs is still uncertain.

SNAP helps over 740,000 Oregonians put food on the table. However, due to recent budget cuts by Congress, there’s a possibility that some recipients could see reduced benefits in the future. This change is concerning for many, and it was the focus of a discussion led by U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas. She met with anti-hunger advocates and state officials to understand the potential impact on those who rely on food assistance.

Ian Dixon-McDonald from Marion Polk Food Share was among the attendees. He noted that food banks could see an increase in demand, but the availability of food may shrink. “We’re expecting more people will need help, but the resources could dwindle,” he said. His organization, like many others, might struggle to keep up.

In a significant shift, Congress has decided that states will now bear part of the costs for SNAP, based on what’s called an “error rate.” This rate measures how accurately states distribute benefits, and Oregon’s error rate is high, at 14%. Starting in 2028, Oregon will need to cover 15% of SNAP costs if this rate remains above 10%. Additionally, the state will be responsible for 75% of program administration costs, up from 50%.

The Oregon Department of Human Services projects these changes could lead to an annual cost increase of $425 million. However, funding for these needs remains in question. Salinas mentioned that local legislators seem unprepared to make up for this gap, fearing that it could lead to more people going hungry.

While Oregon grapples with these changes, the state’s revenue is also at risk. A recent report indicated the state might lose nearly $1 billion over the next two years due to tax cuts from Congress. With so many financial pressures, continuing SNAP at its current level seems increasingly difficult.

Other changes to SNAP include new work requirements, which some advocates label as burdensome. This includes stricter rules for parents with teenagers and adults aged 55-65. There are also plans to exclude thousands of refugees from the program.

As the conversation unfolds, many Oregonians are voicing their concerns. They are calling out elected officials, urging them to reconsider these cuts to vital programs like SNAP. The public sentiment indicates that hunger issues are becoming a priority for many, even in traditionally conservative areas.

For more detailed information on the impact of these changes, you can refer to reports from sources like the Oregonian/OregonLive.

Source link

Oregon | Snap | Food Stamps | Congress