Gov. Jay Inslee’s projected budget shortfall of $10 billion to $12 billion over the next four years, announced on Dec. 17, makes passing the Farm Bill in Congress even more urgent for low income Washingtonians and indeed for all Americans.
The Farm Bill contains the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the last line of defense against hunger in America. It serves nearly 40 million Americans per month, most of them working families with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities. In 2023, SNAP helped 3.4 million people stay out of poverty. But with a new Farm Bill in the works, some leaders want to cut SNAP benefits, which would increase hunger and hardship for millions. Even worse, they want to cut and restrict SNAP (and Medicaid) to finance more tax cuts for the wealthy, which is indefensible. As we ponder our blessings this season, please join me in urging Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Washington representatives to show compassion and resolve to protect SNAP and Medicaid from harmful changes in 2025.
Alan Newberg
Bremerton
Editor’s note: As part of last week’s final-hour spending package, the Farm Bill and SNAP were extended for another year, but could face further negotiations in 2025.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
