HYDE-SMITH PRAISES COMPLETION OF NEW SNAP BENEFIT RULE FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS
Miss. Senator Submitted Supportive Comments during USDA Rulemaking Process to Encourage Employment & Self-Sufficiency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today praised the completion of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture rule to encourage able-bodied individuals to find gainful work and reduce dependence on federal nutrition assistance.
The USDA on Wednesday announced the completion of a rule to promote self-sufficiency and employment among able-bodied adults without dependents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Last April, Hyde-Smith submitted formal public comment endorsing the USDA rulemaking proposal.
“President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue promoted this rule as good government. It will restore the original intent of SNAP benefits as a source of temporary assistance and save taxpayer dollars while ensuring those truly in need get help,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
“There is dignity in having a job. I hope this reform, combined with our strong economy, will encourage more people to rejoin the workforce,” she said. “This rule will also curb abuses by some states that grant broad work requirement waivers despite low unemployment rates.”
The final rule, which takes effect April 1, 2020, will tighten work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and reform the ability for states to grant work requirement waivers in areas with high unemployment rates.
The rule would save the government $12.8 billion over 10 years, according to USDA projections.
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