PRINTER'S NO. 3041
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
643
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY KENYATTA, BURGOS, MADDEN, SCHLOSSBERG, FREEMAN,
KOSIEROWSKI, RAVENSTAHL, KINSEY, ULLMAN, ISAACSON, CIRESI,
YOUNGBLOOD, CALTAGIRONE, McCLINTON, HILL-EVANS, DEASY,
FRANKEL, HOWARD, SCHWEYER, SANCHEZ, JOHNSON-HARRELL, STURLA,
DONATUCCI, SHUSTERMAN, KIM, PASHINSKI, VITALI, KORTZ,
DELLOSO, INNAMORATO, ZABEL, WILLIAMS, HOHENSTEIN AND
KIRKLAND, DECEMBER 17, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, DECEMBER 17, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Condemning the Trump Administration's proposed changes to
eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP).
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agriculture has
released a proposal entitled "Revision of Categorical
Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP)"; and
WHEREAS, The proposal would restrict states from allowing
participants who receive minimal Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families program benefits to be automatically eligible to
participate in SNAP; and
WHEREAS, The proposed restriction would leave many American
families with insufficient funds to purchase food and further
prevent school children from receiving free lunches; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 265,000 children who currently qualify
for free lunches under the program nationwide would become
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disqualified pending the enactment of the proposal; and
WHEREAS, The proposal's attempt to close a "loophole" that
helps families with fluctuating incomes, who perpetually
struggle to buy food, is counterintuitive and detrimental to the
core objective of safety net programs; and
WHEREAS, Low-income individuals often struggle with a
plethora of barriers in finding work; and
WHEREAS, Stricter work requirements and the elimination of
food accessibility does not aid low-income individuals in
finding employment; and
WHEREAS, The current system allows families to work extra
shifts without risking the loss of their benefits, which
encourages individuals to improve their work ethic without
fearing penalization; and
WHEREAS, Moving forward with this proposal would quash
benefits for elderly people and individuals with disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has a high number of elderly
residents who rely on food-assistance programs such as SNAP, and
without these benefits our elderly and disabled populations
would suffer greatly; and
WHEREAS, It is an unfortunate reality that individuals with
disabilities are more likely to live in poverty and experience
hardships and food insecurity; and
WHEREAS, SNAP improves health care outcomes for seniors and
disabled individuals, stimulates the economy and supports jobs;
and
WHEREAS, It is the duty of public servants to care and
provide for disenfranchised populations and make the health and
welfare of Pennsylvanians a top priority; therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives condemn the Trump
Administration's proposed changes to eligibility requirements
for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives demonstrate its
vehement opposition to the proposal which will harm thousands of
Pennsylvanians.
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