Coalitions Across States Urge Congress to Oppose $300 Billion SNAP Cuts

Across multiple states, including Colorado, Ohio, Washington, and West Virginia, governors, advocacy groups, and food access organizations are urging Congress to oppose significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) proposed in a Republican-backed budget reconciliation bill. The bill would reduce SNAP funding by nearly $300 billion over the next decade, marking the largest cuts in the program’s history, and would shift a portion of the program's costs from the federal government to states for the first time, imposing severe financial burdens amid already tight state budgets. In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis highlighted that SNAP supports over 600,000 residents and generates nearly $500 million for the state economy, while Ohio advocates warn that the changes would force states like theirs to cover a significant share of benefits, potentially costing Ohio about $178 million. Washington state advocates emphasize that these budget cuts would exacerbate an existing food crisis, endangering the health and wellbeing of thousands relying on food assistance, while West Virginia organizations stress SNAP's vital role in improving health outcomes and stabilizing families, urging their senator to oppose the cuts. Critics argue that the proposed changes threaten the basic food security of vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and people with disabilities and could negatively impact local economies, farmers, and food producers dependent on SNAP benefits. Overall, there is widespread concern that the legislation would erode the fundamental infrastructure of the food safety net and increase food insecurity nationwide.