U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) on Aug. 1 introduced legislation to provide temporary staffing support to help process the nation’s increase in applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, which provides food benefits to low-income families.
“When people apply for SNAP benefits, it is because they are already struggling,” Rep. Bacon said. “Ensuring that their applications are processed in a timely manner is important to getting people the assistance they need. In economically challenging times, giving the states, who are closer to the problem, more autonomy will result in better outcomes for applicants.”
The SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2023, H.R. 5094, which Rep. Bacon sponsored alongside original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), would give states the option to hire outside contractors to help alleviate the workload of their employees. The contracts would end when the backlog had been cleared, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
Modernizing the programs would give states more control over their administrative process in a way that is not threatening the jobs of their current employees and provide changes that would lead to faster processing times so that families could get assistance sooner, the summary says.
“During my Farm Bill listening sessions, Oregonians have made it clear that SNAP improvements are necessary to ensure those who rely on the program most are able to access and receive the support they need in a timely manner,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. “That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Bacon to introduce the SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act, which would help reduce the backlog of SNAP applications and put food on the table for families in need.”
H.R. 5094 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.