Governor Malloy is looking at a way to block cutbacks in the food stamp program for as many as 68,000 Connecticut families next year -- a result of changes in the farm bill that President Obama signed into law last week. The farm bill trims SNAP by $8.6 billion, primarily by ending the practice of 17 states, including Connecticut, of giving low-income people as little as $1 a year in heating assistance so they can qualify for more food stamp money. Anti-hunger advocates say the increase averages $90 a month. The new law requires states to offer more than $20 in Low Income Assistance Heating Program (LIHEAP) aid for a low–income household to qualify for the extra SNAP money, and that’s what the Malloy administration may do. But, to be able to give the 68,000 families who now receive $1 dollar in LIHEAP money more than $20, Malloy would have to reduce the money other LIHEAP beneficiaries receive, or use new state appropriations. Gian-Carl Casa, said the issue is under discussion between the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Social Services. A decision will be made later this week.
Source: CT Mirror, 2/11/14, SNAP Cuts
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