Background:

The Farm Bill moved out of the House Agriculture Committee last week.

It isn't good.

According to the Washington Post, among its other provisions, it would dramatically expand mandatory state workfare programs in the SNAP (or "food stamps") program.  "The Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 1 million people would leave the SNAP rolls over the next 10 years because of the new work requirements, mandating 20 hours a week of training or work, and stricter eligibility guidelines for low-income families who qualify for SNAP through other welfare programs, a practice known as Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility."  

In addition, the provision could threaten the passage of the broader Farm Bill, which farmers and ranchers from Kansas rely on. "Farm groups have begun to fear the divisions could delay or prevent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the $867 billion package that covers the bulk of the country’s agricultural and nutrition programs, including crop insurance, farm credit, trade, conservation, agricultural research and rural development."

Want more info about SNAP?

• This is SNAP: The most effective anti-hunger program in the country
• 8 Things You Need to Know About SNAP (YouTube)

The Ask:

There isn't yet a version in the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is chaired by our own Senator Pat Roberts.

Call Pat Roberts at (202) 224-4774 with the following points:

1. You're glad to see his commitment to a bipartisan Farm Bill and will be following the process closely.
2. What is his position on the House's version of the Farm Bill?
3. Will he commit to a Senate version that doesn't strip the safety net away from Kansans using SNAP?

You can also call the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry at (202) 224-2035

Remember -- regardless of his party or yours, Senator Roberts works for you. And keeping kids and families fed shouldn't be a partisan issue. Call now!