To the editor:
This is the season of giving, but Congress seems determined to do a lot of taking.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the last line of defense against hunger in America. It serves nearly 40 million Americans per month, most of them working families with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities. In 2023, SNAP helped 3.4 million people stay out of poverty.
But with a new Farm Bill in the works, some leaders want to cut SNAP benefits, which would increase hunger and hardship for millions. Even worse, they want to cut and restrict SNAP (and Medicaid) to finance more tax cuts for the wealthy. It is indefensible for Congress to take food and health care from children and families to give the Elon Musk of the world more money.
As we ponder our blessings this season, I urge our members of Congress to show compassion and resolve to protect SNAP and Medicaid from harmful changes in 2025.
Sincerely,
William Deignan
Medford
