Narrative of Resolution:
title
Oppose any Federal Legislation or Administrative Actions against the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
end
body
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RESOLUTON INTRODUCED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OPPOSING ANY FEDERAL LEGISLATION OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS THAT WOULD RESULT IN CUTS TO SNAP BENEFITS, RESTRICT ELIGIBILITY OR OTHERWISE WEAKEN THIS ESSENTIAL PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program, providing critical nutritional support to millions of Americans, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, in Sullivan County, New York, 11,794 residents rely on SNAP benefits to help meet their basic nutritional needs; and
WHEREAS, among local adult SNAP recipients:
• 26% are individuals who are currently employed
• 23% are permanently disabled; and
WHEREAS, 41% of local SNAP recipients are children and 16% are senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, SNAP benefits not only reduce food insecurity but also stimulate local economic activity-benefiting farmers, grocery stores, and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, in 2024 alone, $2,643,538 in SNAP benefits were distributed in Sullivan County, with each dollar generating approximately $1.75 in economic activity, contributing more than $4.6 million to our local economy; and
WHEREAS, reducing federal SNAP funding would harm our most vulnerable residents, increase strain on local government, farmers and food pantries, thereby undermining local economic stability and growth;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature strongly urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to preserve and protect funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Legislature opposes any federal legislation or administrative action that would result in cuts to SNAP benefits, restrict eligibility, or otherwise weaken this essential program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Sullivan County Legislature shall forward copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, United States Senators representing New York, the local Congressional Representative, the Governor of New York State, and other appropriate officials and agencies.