No Cuts to Food Stamps (SNAP)

Gov. Rauner & DHS Secretary Dimas

Up to 200,000 people in Illinois could lose SNAP (food stamp) benefits, unless the state asks to extend a waiver of "welfare reform" time limits. Illinois is one of many states that has been getting a waiver, and is eligible for an extension, but Gov. Rauner and his Dept. of Human Services (DHS) Secretary, James Dimas need to ask.

Benefit levels for nutrition assistance, medicaid are already inadequate, and multiple administrative barriers are preventing persons from accessing the help for which they are eligible.

Loss of SNAP will push people already hurting from an unfair economy (many are in deep poverty and do not qualify for other benefits) into severe hunger. Allowing the cuts will not help the state budget (SNAP is 100% federally funded) but could cost the state economy more than $300 million of federal dollars. Poor nutrition means worsening health, and will add pressure to Medicaid and other service programs.




Petition by
Keshia Edwards
PARK FOREST, Illinois

To: Gov. Rauner & DHS Secretary Dimas
From: [Your Name]

We urge you to immediately request a continuing waiver of the federal time limit that restricts eligibility for non-disabled adults without minor children to 3 out of 36 months unless they are working at least 20 hours per week.

Basic nutrition should be a basic right in America.

Losing these Federal SNAP benefits would hurt vulnerable people, and cost the Illinois economy more than $300 million -- adding to the harm of record economic inequality, and the lack of a fair state budget that fully funds human services.