Two positive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) bills are up for hearings in the Legislature on Thursday, February 6! We invite you to support them with in person testimony, online comments, or general good vibes.
- LB192, SNAP Eligibility, introduced by Sen. Dan Quick: Without legislative action this session, the income eligibility level for Nebraska SNAP will decrease significantly this September. The current eligibility level helps Nebraskans get by in spite of major increases in the cost of living, the recent end of pandemic supports and increases in food insecurity. LB192 will keep SNAP eligibility where it is, continuing the economic boost SNAP brings to local communities, reducing the benefits cliff effect and making it easier for over 4,500 Nebraska families to keep food on the table.
- LB46, SNAP Restaurant Meals, introduced by Sen. Terrell McKinney: Requires the state to create a SNAP Restaurant Meals Program which would allow elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP participants, and their spouses to visit participating restaurants to purchase hot meals at a reduced price. This program expands access for vulnerable populations that experience barriers to cooking and meal preparation.
Both of these hearings are in the Health and Human Services Committee and will happen after 1:30 pm on Feb. 6. Show up to testify as a proponent if you can! (Find tips here or reach out to me, Appleseed’s food access community organizer at mhamann@neappleseed.org if you want to talk through the process!)
You can also comment online using the bill links above and clicking “submit comments online” by the day of hearings by 8 am!
