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Governor Shapiro Warns of SNAP Cuts Under Trump’s Proposal

Community members express their concerns about potential SNAP cuts and their impact on food security.

News Summary

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania raises concerns about looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if President Trump’s proposed tax and spending bill is enacted. The bill threatens federal food assistance for low-income families in Pennsylvania, potentially impacting nearly half a million Philadelphians relying on the program. Shapiro warns of increased costs and administrative burdens on the state, and how these changes could exacerbate food insecurity and health care access for many residents.

Pennsylvania – Governor Josh Shapiro has raised alarm over potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if President Trump’s proposed tax and spending bill, referred to as the “big beautiful bill,” is enacted. Shapiro indicated that the implications of this legislation could severely impact the availability of federal food assistance in Pennsylvania, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.

Shapiro expressed concern that the state would struggle to compensate for any federal cuts to SNAP, which could have devastating consequences for low-income families relying on this crucial support. With nearly half a million Philadelphians currently benefiting from SNAP, Pennsylvania holds the highest number of recipients statewide, highlighting the significance of the program for the population.

Economic projections suggest that Trump’s proposed legislation could potentially triple SNAP-related costs for the state, leading to an additional financial burden on Pennsylvania exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars annually. According to an analysis from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, about 140,000 Pennsylvanians could lose their access to essential food assistance under this federal proposal, further exacerbating food insecurity in the region.

Under the federal plan, Pennsylvania would also face increased administrative costs associated with managing SNAP, estimated at nearly 52% more than current expenses. For the fiscal year 2023, Pennsylvania’s administrative costs for SNAP were approximately $213.7 million, with these being fully covered by federal funding. However, the proposed plan necessitates the state to allocate over $564 million in benefits for that same year, a significant departure from current arrangements.

Moreover, the state’s SNAP error rate, which directly influences federal funding, was noted to be the 10th-highest in the country as of 2023. In response to this, Shapiro’s administration has made strides to reduce the error rate and anticipates continued improvements moving forward.

The proposed bill also threatens to disrupt health care access for many Pennsylvanians, as approximately 500,000 individuals could lose their health care coverage. Among those, 310,000 are on Medicaid, while around 200,000 could be cut from Penny Health Care, Pennsylvania’s state-based health exchange created under the Affordable Care Act. This disruption could endanger rural hospitals in the state, which rely on Medicaid for over 50% of their revenue.

Other sectors may also face challenges due to the proposed legislation, with an estimated 26,000 jobs in Pennsylvania’s energy industry at risk. The Congressional Budget Office has projected that passing this bill would increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion, raising further concerns among state leaders regarding fiscal responsibility.

Governor Shapiro criticized the apparent inconsistencies in Trump’s campaign promises, particularly around issues of deficit reduction, Medicaid support, and job creation in the energy sector. Additionally, it was noted that undocumented immigrants are legally barred from receiving Medicaid in Pennsylvania, disputing Republican claims of efforts to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in the system as misleading. Shapiro argued that the underlying motive behind the proposed cuts appears to be favoring tax reductions for those who do not require financial assistance.

In summary, the potential ramifications of Trump’s proposed tax and spending plan could lead to significant challenges for SNAP beneficiaries and the healthcare system in Pennsylvania. The state’s social support systems face uncertain futures as concerns about funding and eligibility loom large for its most vulnerable residents.