KEVIN BESSLER

Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP program, has been a major talking point when it comes to negotiating the new Farm Bill.

Illinois is one of only six states where more than 15% of the population use SNAP benefits. Just last year, around 42 million people nationwide relied on SNAP benefits each month.

Republicans on the House Committee on Agriculture passed a version of the farm bill that would effectively cut nearly $30 billion in benefits over the next decade. That is not sitting well with U,S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.

“When we write a farm bill, it is for everyone in the United States of America, and just to clarify, when it comes to SNAP benefits specifically, rural America uses more SNAP benefits than urban America,” said Crockett during a recent House Agriculture Committee meeting.

Illinois’ SNAP program is not resistant to fraud. Data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that in the first three months of the year, Illinois approved 7,372 out of 7,461 claims for stolen benefits and replaced $3.5 million worth of stolen benefits.

The Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) Health/Healthcare Committee recently held a webinar to provide an overview and update on programs across Illinois, including the SNAP program.

Officials said it was very critical in the conversation around our aging populations in Illinois. According to 2020 Census data, Illinois’ 65+ population is now over 16% and growing, and this percentage is much higher in many rural areas of the state.

The 2018 farm bill was set to expire last year, but lawmakers extended it for another year. It is set to expire September 30, and it is highly unlikely a deal will be reached by then.