Urge Governor Wolf to Veto Bill that Punishes SNAP Recipients

Last night the General Assembly passed SB 6, which is now in the Governor’s hands.

This bill makes a number of changes to SNAP and cash assistance eligibility to reduce access to benefits.  Most notably, it would charge $100 for a second replacement EBT Access card – even if the card was stolen and the cardholder reported the theft to police.

We need your help to seek a veto.  Please contact Governor Wolf at https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/. You can send the following message:

As a person of faith, I ask that you veto SB 6, because I believe we must have compassion and care for our most vulnerable neighbors. SB 6 contains measures that would punish, rather than help, such as imposing a $100 replacement fee the second time an EBT card (used for SNAP food purchases) is lost or stolen, and families that don’t have money for groceries certainly cannot afford this kind of expense. It also contains numerous provisions that have already been addressed recently by state or federal law. (NOTE: See the list below and feel free to use any of the information to add to this message.)

If you have any personal stories, please feel free to share those as well—they are the most powerful and persuasive way of reaching your elected officials!

SB 6 contains numerous provisions that have already been addressed recently by state or federal law.  For example:

1. Lottery or gambling winnings. Congress has already acted to prohibit households with substantial lottery or gambling winnings from getting SNAP/Food Stamps. 7 USC 2015 (s). The Trump Administration is currently working on implementation of this provision. State law also already provides that cash assistance is to be reduced by any amount the recipient obtains by using their benefits at a casino or racetrack.  62 P.S. 434.
2. Excessive EBT card replacements. Federal law now requires states to send warning letters after three replacements. 7 CFR 274. 6(b)(6).
3. Sex offenders. Congress has already acted to prohibit sex offenders who are out of compliance from getting SNAP/Food Stamps 7 USC 2015 (r). The Trump Administration is currently working on implementation of this provision.
4. Drug Convictions. State law was already amended to require compliance with all obligations imposed by the criminal court, to require participation in drug treatment, and to provide for drug testing for individuals with drug convictions as a condition of receiving benefits. 62 P.S. 432.24.

Thanks to the Women’s Law Center and Community Legal Services for this information.