West of Mpls MN about 50 miles on Hwy 12 | Good post.
There was a time not so long ago when SNAP/welfare benefits needed the farm bill to get passed and funded...times are changing.
Thought I would have a little fun with Google AI...
AI Overview
The user is correct that SNAP benefits were historically tied to the Farm Bill, but times are changing due to new legislation. A recent law enacted significant shifts, most notably transferring some of the costs to the states and expanding work requirements for certain recipients. These changes mean SNAP is no longer solely reliant on a farm bill for its funding and are causing a fundamental shift in its administration.
Changes from recent legislation:
State cost-sharing: States will now be required to pay a portion of SNAP benefits, starting in FY 2028. This marks a historic shift from the previous model where benefits were fully federally funded.
Administrative funding cuts: The federal government is reducing its share of administrative costs, which could lead to more burden on states for program management.
Expanded work requirements: Eligibility for some recipients has been reduced. For example, more adults (ages 55-64) will now be subject to work requirements, and some exemptions have been removed.
What this means:
Direct impact on the program: The new law includes substantial cuts and changes to the program, impacting its funding structure and the eligibility of some recipients.
Potential impact on states: States will have to adjust to new funding responsibilities and will be more directly involved in the program's costs.
Future uncertainty: The full impact of these changes is still unfolding, but it is clear that the program is moving away from its traditional funding model.
So then I asked Google AI if farmers needed Snap included in the farm bill for the farm bill to pass...
AI Overview
Yes, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is crucial for the Farm Bill to pass, as it brings votes from urban areas and rural areas that would otherwise not support the bill. SNAP is the largest part of the Farm Bill's budget, and without the votes from supporters of nutrition programs, the bill historically would not pass.
Why SNAP is essential for passing the Farm Bill
Secures necessary votes: SNAP is the largest part of the Farm Bill by budget, and its supporters in Congress provide the crucial votes needed to pass the legislation. Without these votes, a Farm Bill would not pass.
Benefits urban and rural areas: The inclusion of SNAP secures support from a broad coalition of lawmakers who might otherwise have little reason to support the bill, making it a bipartisan effort.
Threat of cuts jeopardizes passage: Attempts to cut SNAP programs or add stricter work requirements can jeopardize the entire bill.
Historical precedent: Since 1973, the Farm Bill has included SNAP, and major farm bills have historically relied on the votes of SNAP advocates to pass.
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Farmer bailout
