Fact Check: 140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to SNAP under the federal proposal.

Fact Check: "140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to SNAP under the federal proposal."

What We Know

The claim that "140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to SNAP under the federal proposal" is supported by multiple sources. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would tighten existing work requirements, resulting in an estimated 140,000 individuals losing access to food assistance (CBS News, Spotlight PA). This estimate has been echoed by various officials, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who stated that the proposed federal bill could lead to significant cuts in food assistance, affecting vulnerable populations across the state (Inquirer, MSN).

The SNAP program currently assists nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians, providing critical support for food security. The proposed federal legislation could cut nearly $300 billion from the SNAP program through 2034, which would exacerbate food insecurity in the state (CBS News).

Analysis

The estimate of 140,000 Pennsylvanians losing access to SNAP is derived from analyses conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which has a reliable track record in assessing the impacts of federal policy changes on state programs (DHS Highlights). The credibility of this estimate is bolstered by the consensus among state officials and food assistance advocates who warn that stricter work requirements could disproportionately affect low-income families, particularly those with children and elderly members (Spotlight PA, Inquirer).

However, it is important to note that while the estimate is based on current projections, the actual impact could vary depending on future policy implementations and administrative decisions. Critics of the proposed changes argue that the work requirement adjustments could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased hunger and reliance on food banks, which are already struggling to meet demand (CBS News).

The sources cited are credible, with reports coming from established news organizations and official state departments. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is a primary source for the data, providing a solid foundation for the claim. Additionally, the concerns raised by food bank leaders and state officials about the potential ramifications of these cuts add weight to the argument that the proposed changes would indeed lead to significant loss of access for many Pennsylvanians (CBS News, DHS Highlights).

Conclusion

The claim that "140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to SNAP under the federal proposal" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, including state officials and food assistance advocates, supports this assertion. The proposed changes to SNAP are projected to tighten work requirements significantly, which would likely result in many individuals losing their benefits and facing increased food insecurity.

Fact Check: 140,000 Pennsylvanians would lose access to SNAP under the federal proposal.