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Illinois is one of only six states where more than 15% of the
population use SNAP benefits. Just last year, around 42 million
people nationwide relied on SNAP benefits each month.
Republicans on the House Committee on Agriculture passed a
version of the farm bill that would effectively cut nearly $30
billion in benefits over the next decade. That is not sitting
well with U,S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.
“When we write a farm bill, it is for everyone in the United
States of America, and just to clarify, when it comes to SNAP
benefits specifically, rural America uses more SNAP benefits
than urban America,” said Crockett during a recent House
Agriculture Committee meeting.
Illinois’ SNAP program is not resistant to fraud. Data released
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that in the first
three months of the year, Illinois approved 7,372 out of 7,461
claims for stolen benefits and replaced $3.5 million worth of
stolen benefits.
The Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) Health/Healthcare
Committee recently held a webinar to provide an overview and
update on programs across Illinois, including the SNAP program.
Officials said it was very critical in the conversation around
our aging populations in Illinois. According to 2020 Census
data, Illinois’ 65+ population is now over 16% and growing, and
this percentage is much higher in many rural areas of the state.
The 2018 farm bill was set to expire last year, but lawmakers
extended it for another year. It is set to expire September 30,
and it is highly unlikely a deal will be reached by then.
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