The proposed changes would lead to an improvement in how income is measured for eligibility in the SNAP program, thus enabling many low-income individuals and families to qualify for higher benefits. Specifically, revisions will allow supplementary payments, notably those referred to in the Social Security Act, to not count toward income thresholds. This means that beneficiaries could receive additional support without the fear of losing existing benefits due to rising costs in their living situations.
Summary
SB3806, known as the 'COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2024', aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by improving the cost of living adjustment exclusion from income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This bill seeks to update the terms of the income calculation for SNAP benefits to allow certain supplementary payments to be excluded from consideration, which could potentially increase access and assistance for those in need of food support. This adjustment reflects a response to rising living costs that disproportionately affect low-income households.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SB3806 likely center on the implications of modifying the income criteria for SNAP benefits. Supporters argue that broadening the exclusion will better reflect the financial realities that many low-income families face, especially as costs of living continue to increase. Conversely, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the potential costs of expanding eligibility and the associated economic impacts. Furthermore, assessing how such changes will affect state budgets and the overall funding structure of welfare programs will be a critical point of analysis in the legislative discussions.