Overview
- Connecticut officials estimate about 36,000 residents, roughly 10% of SNAP recipients statewide, could lose benefits between Dec. 1 and March 31 under new federal requirements.
- The recent federal law imposes work rules on adults ages 55–64 and on parents with children 14 or older, removes prior exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and certain former foster youth, and requires documentation of 20 hours per week or limited qualifying activities.
- Attorney General William Tong joined 21 other attorneys general in suing the USDA over guidance they say unlawfully deems many lawful immigrants permanently ineligible for SNAP even after obtaining green cards.
- Advocates in Connecticut are pressing for a state-funded food assistance program, and legislative leaders point to a new $500 million emergency fund as a potential source while the governor reviews options.
- Public reaction intensified after a Tennessee man’s critical WZTV-TV interview about losing SNAP went viral, as USDA stresses that exemptions and alternatives exist for groups such as people in treatment, pregnant individuals and those in approved training or volunteer work.