A very Very long email From the Connecticut Democratic Party...Which is actually about an important subject FOOD FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT.
I hope the length and wordiness is not a turnoff on this important information. If so, just cruise to the end and click on the link.
Our Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. has
taken a stand against the latest cuts to SNAP in the most recent Farm Bill. And
this week, Governor Dan Malloy took immediate action to prevent Connecticut
residents from losing their SNAP benefits as a result of the latest round of
cuts.
[...]
NO FAMILY IN AMERICA DESERVES TO GO HUNGRY: SNAP CUTS
SNAP was established as an assistance program for low-income families to ensure
they could put food on their tables. As Democrats, we believe it is the duty of
a good government to help those who need help in critical areas such as buying
groceries.
Republicans
in Congress, meanwhile, have referred to SNAP as another entitlement that
promotes government dependency. Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan in particular
referred to SNAP as “a hammock that lulls able-bodied adults to a life of
dependence and complacency.” This is not true.
PROGRESS IN CONNECTICUT
To
prevent an estimated 50,000 low-income households in Connecticut from losing
their SNAP benefits, Governor Malloy directed his Administration to meet the
new standards of the 2014 Farm Bill. By dedicating additional energy assistance
dollars to eligible SNAP recipients, this will prevent an estimated average of
$112 in monthly benefits from being slashed from families in need. Additionally,
the Governor’s directive will preserve approximately $66.6 million annually in
SNAP benefits for households in Connecticut.
Governor
Malloy:
“Connecticut, for one, will not stand by while our low-income families and
elders are put at risk by Washington politics. I have directed my
Administration to take all necessary measures to protect Connecticut
beneficiaries of the federal SNAP program from the negative consequences of the
Farm Bill.”
Lt.
Governor Nancy Wyman:
“Our decisive action means that Connecticut residents will be held harmless
from the worst type of cuts at the worst possible time in one of the most
critical of national safety-net programs.”
ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL
For
the second time in less than three months, SNAP benefits have been cut. Last
fall, $5 billion was cut from SNAP, costing roughly $17 to $36 a month in food
assistance for Connecticut families. This is after Republicans initially
proposed a $40 billion cut to the SNAP program.
In
the latest Farm bill reauthorization, a total of $8.7 billion in additional
cuts to SNAP will take place over the next ten years. On the whole, this may
cost families who rely on SNAP assistance $90 a month, or the equivalent of 34
meals. Nationwide, 850,000 households will receive less SNAP aid, while it is
estimated approximately 65,000 Connecticut residents will receive less aid.
The
Facts:
- In 2010, this program lifted nearly 5.2 million
Americans over the poverty line. This included 2.2 million children.
- Nearly 47 million Americans across the country depend
upon food stamp assistance to feed their families. Among this group are
low-income families, disabled individuals, veterans and senior citizens.
- Food stamps only provide roughly $4.50 a day in
assistance to recipients.
- SNAP boasts one of the lowest error rates of any
federal program in the country.
- Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in
economic activity.
- Denying families SNAP benefits also denies their
children free meals at school.
- On average, half of SNAP recipients are on the program
for only ten months or less.
All
seven members of our Congressional delegation understand the consequences
working families will face with this latest round of draconian cuts to SNAP,
and have voted against SNAP cuts in the past.
[Ed: Here are quotes from our 2 Senators and the Congresswoman from the 3rd CD, which includes New Haven County. I have cut out the others.]
Senator
Richard Blumenthal:
“We should keep faith with struggling families in America, including more than
400,000 Connecticut residents, by maintaining current levels of SNAP funding,
and expanding food assistance in the state and across the country if needed.”
Senator
Chris Murphy:
“There is no doubt that Congress needs to reduce spending, but balancing the
budget on the backs of our nation’s most vulnerable is foolish and
irresponsible.”
Congresswoman
Rosa DeLauro:
“These
cuts are terrible for families on the edge, terrible for our economic recovery,
and terrible for the future. Imagine we had a miracle vaccine that made
everyone who took it healthier, and encouraged children’s growth and brain
development. If such a vaccine existed, wouldn’t we try to vaccinate every
child in America? We do have that vaccine and it is called food.”
If
you stand with President Barack Obama, Governor Malloy, Senator Blumenthal,
Senator Murphy, Congressman Larson, Congressman Courtney, Congresswoman
DeLauro, Congressman Himes, Congresswoman Esty and other Democratic leaders,
add your name to our petition: CLICK HERE TO STAND WITH
DEMOCRATS AND PRESERVING SNAP.
