Fact Check: Are 1.1 million people at risk of losing food stamps now

Fact Check: "Are 1.1 million people at risk of losing food stamps now"

What We Know

The claim that "1.1 million people are at risk of losing food stamps" stems from recent analyses of proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under new legislative measures. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the proposed changes could lead to an average of 1.3 million people losing access to SNAP benefits due to stricter eligibility requirements and work mandates. These changes are part of a broader tax bill aimed at reducing federal spending on anti-poverty programs, which could save nearly $300 billion over the next decade. The CBO noted that these measures could result in more than 3 million people being affected in an average month, with some states potentially opting out of the program altogether due to increased costs (source-3).

In California alone, Governor Newsom highlighted that at least 735,000 residents could be at risk of losing food assistance (source-2). Other estimates suggest that the number of people at risk could be as high as 11 million, depending on the implementation of work requirements and other eligibility changes (source-6).

Analysis

The claim that 1.1 million people are at risk of losing food stamps is partially true. The figure aligns with estimates from the CBO, which indicated that approximately 1.1 million individuals could lose their benefits under the proposed changes (source-5). However, it is important to note that this number is part of a broader context where estimates vary significantly. For instance, some sources suggest that the total number of individuals at risk could be as high as 11 million, depending on the specific provisions enacted and their implementation (source-6).

The reliability of these estimates is supported by the CBO, a nonpartisan entity known for its rigorous analysis of federal budgetary impacts. However, the estimates also come with caveats, as the CBO itself stated that it could not provide a single, concise total due to the complexities involved in the interactions of various federal programs (source-3). This uncertainty suggests that while the 1.1 million figure is plausible, it may not capture the full scope of the issue.

Additionally, the sources discussing these potential cuts vary in their political leanings, which could influence their framing of the issue. For example, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), which reported on the potential impacts of the proposed changes, is known for its progressive stance (source-4). This could lead to more alarmist interpretations of the data, while other sources may downplay the risks.

Conclusion

The claim that "1.1 million people are at risk of losing food stamps" is partially true. While this figure is supported by credible estimates from the CBO, it is essential to recognize that the actual number of individuals affected could be higher, potentially reaching up to 11 million, depending on the final implementation of the proposed changes. The complexity of the situation, along with varying estimates and potential biases in reporting, necessitates a cautious interpretation of the claim.