Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR127

Introduced
5/24/23  

Caption

Urging the Congress of the United States to raise income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and either extend or make permanent Emergency Allotments.

Impact

The resolution seeks to amend federal policies related to SNAP, having significant implications for state welfare programs and food assistance initiatives. If enacted, it would not only help to alleviate the financial burdens on families struggling to make ends meet but would also create a more stable and consistent system of food assistance throughout the states. This could ultimately lead to improvements in public health outcomes through better access to healthy food options.

Summary

House Resolution 127, also known as HR127, urges the Congress of the United States to raise the income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and make Emergency Allotments either extended or permanent. The resolution aims to address food insecurity among low-income households and to enhance the effectiveness of SNAP in providing essential nutrition assistance. Advocates argue that adjusting the income limits will allow more households to access the benefits they need to maintain adequate nutrition, especially in light of rising living costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR127 appears to be largely positive among advocates of food security and social welfare organizations. Many express support for the initiative, seeing it as a critical step toward addressing hunger and fostering economic stability for vulnerable populations. Conversely, there may be some opposition based on fiscal concerns regarding the potential costs associated with increasing SNAP benefits, particularly from budget-conscious legislators.

Contention

Key points of contention may revolve around discussions of budget allocations and the sustainability of raising income limits for SNAP. Detractors might argue that increasing the income limits and making Emergency Allotments permanent could lead to unintended impacts on federal spending, while proponents will counter that investing in nutrition assistance is essential for combating poverty and supporting the health of communities. The debate reflects broader tensions regarding how best to provide social support while managing government expenditures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR40

Establishing a legislative task force on the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in 2023 due to increased Social Security payments and the end of SNAP emergency allotment payments; and directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of the loss of SNAP benefits in 2023 due to increased Social Security payments and the end of the SNAP emergency allotment payments and to establish an advisory committee.

PA AR111

Urges US Congress to allow Secretary of Agriculture to implement Pandemic-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

PA SCR9

Urging the United States Congress to amend the list of allowable foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to eliminate sweetened drinks and snack foods of minimal nutritional value.

PA HCR35

Urging Congress to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to limit the types of food items eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

PA SJR3

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

PA HCR87

Urging Congress to expand the Healthy Incentives Pilot for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to communities across the country.

PA SCR26

Urging Congress to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are adequate for the purchase of a healthy diet.

PA LD1584

An Act to Provide Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to Restore Benefits Reduced by the Federal Government

PA HB740

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

PA SB940

Relating To The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.