Human Services SNAP Cost Share Update and Suggested Direction
As SNAP penalty cost-share discussions continue to evolve at the state level, I want to make sure you have the latest information and context as you plan ahead. As you have likely seen, the State Department of Human Services shared a spreadsheet that provided a few scenarios for SNAP Penalty cost share. This spreadsheet and its implications for counties are certainly concerning, but keep the following in mind:
This is a worst-case scenario cost-share, and one that counties are pushing back vigorously against.
No decisions have been made at any level to imply that this is the final reality.
We are providing additional scenarios to the department for modeling, and we certainly welcome any ideas you may have. Please know, there are no bad ideas here; we need to think about every possible outcome.
As a reminder, these cuts are due to cuts at the Federal level. It is important to know that these cuts are not immediate and not happening in this budget cycle; counties should plan proactively. We are going to be responsible for making changes at the county level to manage the financial pressures on our safety net programs. What those changes are will vary from county to county. As you build your 2027 budget, it could be valuable to start thinking about cuts or service reductions - maybe using the worst-case scenario as a place to start your thinking. We can blame CBMS, we can blame poor guidance from the state, and we can blame applicant errors… and all of that is true. A key issue to discuss is how to determine the appropriate level of counties’ financial responsibility, regardless of other factors.
As the HB26-1429 Implementation Work Group begins its work, and the SNAP Cost Share team continues to bring forward possible scenarios, CCI will reinstate Friday Office Hours and Round-Up emails to keep you apprised of all moving parts in this complex discussion. Should you need more information, please feel free to connect with me, and I will do my best to get your question answered or raised at an upcoming meeting.
Thank you for all you do to serve your communities. We will get through this - together.
