Frederica Freyberg:

The first of three proposals to change eligibility for food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, has been finalized by the Trump administration. In tonight’s look ahead, Marisa Wojcik brings us these fast facts on the finalized rule and what it means for Wisconsin.

Marisa Wojcik:

Changes in eligibility rules for federal food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are now set to go into effect in April of next year. These changes would limit SNAP benefits based on tighter work requirements. The SNAP program requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work 80 hours per month in order to receive food assistance. However, some geographical areas have been able to waive this rule for economic and employment conditions in that area. The new rule will significantly limit these areas to get this waiver. Nationally, it could take away food assistance for almost 700,000 people. In Wisconsin, it’s not yet known who or how many will be impacted. Currently, the counties of Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Forest, Iron and Menominee, as well as some tribal lands, are exempted from food assistance work requirements. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says it will attempt to reapply for work requirement exemptions in these areas but it’s unclear where it could be lifted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, who administers the SNAP program, says the rule changes will promote work during a time when unemployment is low and the economy is strong. It will codify the original intent of the program and could save the government $5 billion over five years. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says government dependency has never been the American dream. We need to encourage people by giving them a helping hand, but not allowing it to become an indefinitely giving hand. For these and other fast facts, visit pbswisconsin.org.

Frederica Freyberg:

That was Marisa Wojcik reporting. Two more rules that could further reduce food stamp eligibility are pending.