Lawmakers ask Congress to amend SNAP qualifications in 'Big Beautiful Bill'
In an exclusive conversation with Rep. Ritchie Torres, he shared a letter he is sending to Congress, requesting an amendment to one part of the bill.
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If you stopped qualifying for SNAP benefits once the "Big Beautiful Bill" was passed, listen up.
In an exclusive conversation with Rep. Ritchie Torres, he shared a letter he is sending to Congress, requesting an amendment to one part of the bill.
When it comes to work requirements for both Snap and Medicaid, he's requesting one standard for both programs.
He says that currently, the Medicaid standard is more attainable.
"An unemployment rate of at least 8%, or 1.5 times the national average. The Bronx meets that requirement. But under SNAP, an area qualifies for a hardship exemption if it has an unemployment rate of 10%. Which almost no county in America qualifies," he says.
Torres says this will level the playing field for Bronx residents, plus take the added pressure off of agencies, caseworkers, nonprofits and local pantries feeling the squeeze.
