The 112th Congress is currently debating the 2012 federal budget and we need your help to encourage our elected officials to protect nutrition assistance and safety net programs. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the food stamp program) are being threatened with cuts by several members of Congress, which would affect low-income residents and the region’s most vulnerable population. See below for an overview of proposed cuts:
- President Obama proposed a 23% increase in SNAP benefits to meet anticipated need, which equates to $16 billion
- Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan proposed to cut $127 billion from SNAP over the next 10 years
- Congressman Ryan’s proposal would turn the SNAP program into a block grant, which would deny eligible individuals and families applying for benefits because of lack of funds
- Congressman Ryan has also proposed a 20 – 25% cut in the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, which allows USDA to purchase food and supply food bank’s around the nation and other hunger related organizations
*This past April, the House of Representatives voted 235 to 193 in favor of Congressman Ryan’s 2012 budget proposal.
The proposed federal budget will have a profound impact on all nutrition assistance and safety net programs. The SNAP program helped lift 4.6 million Americans above the poverty line in 2009, including 2.1 million children and 200,000 seniors.
Here’s how you can help:
- Email advocacy@capitalareafoodbank.org to request the FY12 Action Alert
- Contact your elected official and ask them to protect nutrition assistance and safety net programs
Please see below for a list of elected officials:
The 112th Congress is currently:
Maryland Senators:
– Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D)
– Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D)
Members of the House of Representatives
– Donna F. Edwards (D-4th)
– Steny H. Hoyer (D-5th)
– Chris Van Hollen (D-8th)
Virginia Senator
– Sen. Jim Webb (D)
Members of the House of Representatives
– James P. Moran (D-8th)
– Frank R. Wolf (R-10th)
– Gerry E. Connolly (D-11th)
Washington, D.C. Partners
Please ask the Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton to encourage her colleagues
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D)