Nine U.S. lawmakers who were once on food stamps ask Trump not to shrink program

[Dennis Donovan]

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-budget-foodstamps/nine-u-s-lawmakers-who-were-once-on-food-stamps-ask-trump-not-to-shrink-program-idUSKBN2071BM

FEBRUARY 13, 2020 / 6:04 AM / UPDATED 7 HOURS AGO

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A handful of U.S. lawmakers have a unique argument for asking President Donald Trump not to slash the food stamp program - they themselves once relied on it.

The Republican president this week proposed $15 billion in cuts to the $71 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps, as part of his $4.8 trillion budget plan.

Trump argues that many Americans receiving food stamps do not need them, given the strong economy and low unemployment. His administration already has tightened eligibility guidelines for the food assistance program.

In their letter to Trump, nine Democratic lawmakers said they had each participated in the program “during times of financial struggle for our families.”

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It was signed by Senator Patty Murray and eight House members: Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Robin Kelly, Rashida Tlaib, Salud Carbajal, Jahana Hayes, Gwen Moore and Alma Adams.

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[blueinredohio]

1. I've been there myself.

[crickets]

2. It won't change his mind, but good on them for speaking up. nt

[Midnight Writer]

3. They should work on legislation that protects SNAP folk from willy-nilly cuts by the President.

The President should not have the authority to take someone's benefits or healthcare or pension away with a stroke of his pen. The law should be structured to prevent this.

It won't pass this Senate or President, but we need to put protections in place for the future.