Yesterday the Trump Administration pushed out new, more restrictive requirements to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),a.k.a. food stamps. There is no word on when these new requirements will go into effect, but when they do it is estimated that almost 700,000 people in America will lose access to food stamps. This would be a huge blow to people who are struggling to get by day to day.
Specifically, these requirements will restrict states’ ability to waive federally mandated employment standards for SNAP enrollment. Let’s ask Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson to protect thousands in Washington from losing their food stamps by challenging this executive order, and tell our State Representatives that we want them to prioritize finding a way to restore SNAP benefits to those who would stand to lose them in Washington.
ACTION: Resist executive order and ensure food stamps for Washingtonians
Attorney General Bob Ferguson: (360) 753-6200
State representatives: For both State Senator and State Representative, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or email through http://app.leg.wa.gov/memberemail/. Use district finder to determine who your reps are: https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
Script for Ferguson:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [PLACE] in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that they will restrict states’ rights to waive employment restrictions on SNAP benefits. Thousands of Washingtonians will lose access to food stamps as a result of this change – I would like to see your office challenge the Trump administration in court over this to protect our States’ rights and to protect Washingtonians in need.”
Script for State Representative:
“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [PLACE] in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that they will restrict states’ rights to waive employment restrictions on SNAP benefits. Thousands of Washingtonians will lose access to food stamps as a result of this change – I would like you to prioritize finding a way to restore food stamp benefits to Washingtonians who stand to lose from this executive order.”
Background: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Events
Impeachment Eve Rally to Demand Action from Congress
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building Plaza, 915 2nd Ave, Seattle
When: The night before the impeachment vote. RSVP to get a text when the date is known http://act.moveon.org/event/impeach-and-remove-attend/125784
36th District Town Hall
Where: Nordic Museum
When: Sunday, December 15, 12-2pm
Join 36th Legislative District lawmakers Sen. Reuven Carlyle, Rep. Noel Frame and Rep. Gael Tarleton for a town hall: https://www.facebook.com/events/531252914122627/
