Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director at The Alliance for a Hunger-Free New York, on SNAP Cuts, NYS Budget funding, 5/27/2025

The U.S. Senate is currently debating the provisions outlined in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", of which was passed last week in the Republican-led House of Representatives. As a part of the reconciliation package, Congressional Republicans have proposed to cut SNAP benefits by nearly $300 billion dollars. The cut would shift more of the administration costs to the States starting in 2028 while also expand work requirements for adults with children and older Americans. House GOP reps say these measures are meant to clean up a program with "bureaucratic inefficiencies, misplaced initiatives and limited accountability." They argue the program's original intent is to be temporary, and that by putting the onus on the States to help fund it, they're cracking down on States erroneously making payments, all in order protect taxpayer dollars. But, anti-hunger advocates are pushing back, in hopes Senate Republicans block the SNAP cuts in the reconciliation plan. They say need is already at an all-time high due to rising costs, and that these provisions would put more stress on the food pantry system, and create a lack of resources in the event of an economic downturn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices