Wondering about the status of federal rule changes that affect people experiencing hunger and poverty?
The Trump administration has been targeting people living in poverty by seeking cuts to food assistance through changes in administrative rules. This allows them to subvert Congress, the will of the people, and decades of precedence. These rules in total will cut one in six Oregonians off of SNAP and Oregon would lose $144 million in food assistance.
We have compiled all of the proposed and announced rules and where they are in the process of becoming law. Check back here for updates as we get them.
Public Charge
This rule imposes racist wealth tests on immigrants and would penalize certain categories of immigrants who receive SNAP, and other specific benefit programs, when applying for legal permanent residency. The rule was scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019, but was delayed by an injunction in late 2019. The Supreme Court set aside the injunction in late January 2020. Our latest update is available here.
STATUS: In effect nationwide for benefits received after February 24, 2020 except in Illinois.
ABAWD Time Limits
This rule sets new time limits on SNAP for adults, ages 18-49, who are facing challenges finding employment, with enforcement even in high-unemployment areas. This will impose time limits in all but six Oregon counties, having devastating effects across the state. Read the latest update here.
STATUS: Scheduled to go into effect on April 1. Oregon, along with 14 other states, have filed a lawsuit, with the intent of halting this rule.
Categorical Eligibility
This rule requires states to meet unfair new requirements, including strict limits on assets and gross income, when determining SNAP eligibility. Up to 50,000 Oregon households would be cut off SNAP if this rule moves forward. This also ends automatic certification for school meals for tens of thousands of students. Learn more here.
STATUS: Public comments closed in November 2019, and a final rule could be issued in Spring or Summer 2020.
Standard Utility Allowance
This rule would limit the flexibility states have in determining the standard amount of utility costs that can be factored into the level of a household’s SNAP, which would reduce benefits for 43% of households in Oregon. This would result in a loss of $52 million statewide. Learn more here.