Massachusetts moves to head off food stamps cuts

[kpete]

Source: AP

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts joined several other states Tuesday in moving to preserve food assistance benefits for households that would otherwise be reduced under a recently approved federal farm bill.

The actions by the states recently prompted U.S. House Speaker John Boehner to accuse state officials of circumventing the intent of Congress.

Under the plan announced by Gov. Deval Patrick, the state will provide at least $20 in heating assistance to about 163,000 eligible families, which in turn will make those families eligible for an additional $80 a month in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program — formerly known as Food Stamps.

Administration officials said the move would prevent a loss of $142 million in SNAP benefits.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/03/18/mass-moves-head-off-cuts-food-stamps/dITslHLcP90xtH2rBGW5kO/story.html

[Auntie Bush]

1. Good for MA...now how about VT?

What is VT doing about it? I emailed Peter Shumlin. I guess they are trying to accomplish the same thing but why the delay... I don't know.

[okaawhatever]

5. If the budget for the year is passed they may need to find a way to fund it. Was Vermont one of the

states that was going to be cut? I didn't think they were, but it's been a while so my memory may not be 100%.

[Auntie Bush]

8. Yes, VT is being cut.

My friend went from $200 per month to $127. They just did that a couple months ago and I guess it's going to be cut further in the future...unless Shumlin can do something.

[okaawhatever]

9. That was probably the cut from the stimulus ending. It happened in November, I think. This is a

separate issue. Here is a good article that mentions what happened and what each state is doing. It mentions Vermont, so it may help clear this up for you.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/17/stateline-food-stamps/6538141/

[sheshe2]

2. That is "cheating", Boner? WTF!

‘‘Since the passage of the farm bill, states have found ways to cheat once again on signing up people for food stamps,’’ Boehner, an Ohio Republican, told reporters last month.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, issued a statement Tuesday rebuking Boehner while praising the Patrick administration for maintaining the benefit level.

‘‘Despite what Speaker Boehner said last week (ironically, on the same day he invited Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress), this effort is not ‘fraud’ or ‘cheating’ — it’s an effort by states like Massachusetts to provide food to hungry families,’’ McGovern said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/03/18/mass-moves-head-off-cuts-food-stamps/dITslHLcP90xtH2rBGW5kO/story.html

[KamaAina]

3. Six or seven governors have done this

most recently, Montana's and Oregon's.

You know who else has done it? Gov. Tom Corbett (Teabagger Freak-PA)! If he can do it, why can't Jerry Brown and most of the other Dem governors?!

[okaawhatever]

6. I think California was already doing it. 16 states plus Washington DC were. nt

[juajen]

10. I have a relative in California, a homeless 44 yr. old single male, who receives 200 dollars

in cash, and 200 dollars in food stamps. California is doing good things for the homeless and medically needy. Bless Brown and Newsome. What a great pair of human beings. He has also received needed medical care, physical as welll as mental, and has a place to live and accoutrements. A roof over his head instead of living in the woods is lifesaving for him and his service dog. What a relief for his family for him to get this kind of support and help. When you give, you are blessed, as many states are finding, and the concensus is that it is cheaper to help them this way, than for them to be wandering around, like loose cannons.

[okaawhatever]

11. That is so true. I'm glad he's getting the care he needs. nt

[DeadLetterOffice]

4. "prompted...Boehner to accuse state officials of circumventing the intent of Congress"

Well, when the intent of Congress is so clearly just FUCKING STUPID, circumventing it makes perfect sense.
Yay Massachusetts!

[valerief]

7. Woo hoo, that's my guv! nt