Republicans are calling for sweeping reform of the snap program, to tighten the requirements to qualify because spending on the program is out of control. Leaders say the cost of the snap program has risen 94% since the last farm bill was passed in congress. And that number will skyrocket to more than $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years, unless congress acts to enforce work requirements to help lower the cost. Currently a single person making $17,000 or a family of 4 earning $36,000 now qualify for food stamps. They are also required to work at least 20 hours a week. But many of them did not work at all because of the pandemic and the public health emergency. And one senator says its time to end the work stoppage and put these people back to work, or restrict their benefits. Emergency allotments caused by the pandemic will end at the end of February.
