Wednesday, December 4, the administration of Donald trump announced new requirements for recipients of food stamps (foodstamps) that will lead to the fact that hundreds of thousands of people will lose access to the Program for preferential purchase of products (SNAP).
«We are taking action to reform our SNAP program to restore the credibility of the work for a significant part of our population and show respect for the taxpayers who Finance the program, — said the Minister of agriculture of the United States Sonny Perdue. Americans are a generous people, who consider it their duty to help their fellow citizens when they face difficulties. This obligation is a SNAP, but, like other social welfare programs, that was never an option as a way of life».
USDA rule change affects people at the age from 18 to 49 years that are childless and are not disabled. Under current regulations, this group must work at least 20 hours per week for more than three months within a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps. This decision will not apply to areas with high unemployment.
The Ministry of agriculture reported that about 688 000 people will lose access to food stamps. This rule about requirements to work would save the government $ 5.5 billion over five years.
Senator Debbie Stabenow, member of the Committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry in the Senate, said that the changes are unlikely to help someone job search.
«This administration has no connection with the families who are struggling to make ends meet, working in seasonal jobs or part-time,» said Stabenow.
