Human Services - Food Supplement Program (Summer SNAP for Children Act)
Impact
If enacted, SB213 will significantly amend the state's provisions regarding food supplement allocations for children, making it a priority for counties to apply for funding to provide these crucial supplements. Each county must submit a detailed plan to the Department of Human Services to receive the allocated funds, including a commitment to evaluating the program's effectiveness and outreach to eligible families. This structure aims to ensure that the funding is effectively utilized and that participating households are adequately informed of their entitlements.
Summary
Senate Bill 213, known as the Summer SNAP for Children Act, seeks to enhance the food supplement benefits available to children in Maryland during the summer months and beyond. The bill mandates that for each child receiving federally funded benefits under the food supplement program, the state shall provide matching funds to the county. Specifically, the bill stipulates a minimum of $30 per month per child for the summer months of June, July, and August, and a $10 supplement for the month of December. This is intended to alleviate food insecurity among children during critical times when they may not have access to school meals.
Contention
One notable aspect of SB213 concerns the financial implications for the state budget. The bill requires the Governor to allocate a minimum of $5,000,000 annually for these child supplements, a steep increase from previous requirements. Proponents argue that this increased funding is necessary to address childhood hunger, particularly during the summer months when many children are not receiving school meals. Critics, however, may raise concerns over budgetary constraints and the sustainability of such an increase in funding, questioning whether counties can adequately implement the requirements set forth without additional support.
A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; the medical assistance program; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HSB 696.)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Department of Human Services; agreements; reviews; report; eligibility; exception; standards; information; codification; effective date.
In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025 and for supplemental annuity commencing 2026.
Relating to retirement benefits for certain law enforcement officers who are members of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, including the creation of a supplemental program retirement fund.
In membership, contributions and benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025; and, in benefits, providing for supplemental annuity commencing 2025.