Failure To Enact Farm Bill Would Lock In Food Stamp Benefit Cuts

Publication Date: November 2007

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Dorothy Rosenbaum

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Social conditions

Keywords: Economic projections; Federal budget; Food insecurity; Economic inequality

Type: Report

Abstract:

A straight extension of the farm bill with no policy changes, as some in Congress are reportedly advocating if the Senate cannot reach an agreement on floor debate, would lock in food stamp benefit cuts that affect more than 10 million food stamp recipients — including many low-income working families, seniors, and people with disabilities.  These cuts grow deeper with each passing year, shrinking the purchasing power of food stamps, because certain aspects of the Food Stamp Program’s rules do not take into account the effects of inflation.