Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Republicans revive 1990s-era welfare debate over food stamps, suggest overhauling program, Associated Press, April 18, 2011, Washington Post: “House Republicans resurrected a 1990s-era fight over food stamps in their budget approved last week, arguing that any serious attempt to cut spending must include an overhaul of government programs that help needy families pay for food. Congress already has started cutting some food programs, including reducing the Women, Infants and Children Program by $500 million as part of a deal on this year’s budget. And last year, more than $2 billion in future funding for food stamps was redirected to other programs. On Friday, the House approved a Republican proposal to overhaul the $65 billion food stamp program – known officially as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP – by replacing it with capped block grants to states, which would pay for the aid but make it contingent on work or job training. That proposal was included in a 2012 budget plan put forward by Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis…”