Latest news with #BrookeRollins
Fox News
a day ago
- Climate
- Fox News
As US braces for ‘significant' wildfires, Trump's agriculture secretary addresses Forest Service departures
The Trump administration is prepared for what could be a "significant fire season," despite thousands of Forest Service employees departing under Trump's deferred resignation offer, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. "It did not compromise and will not compromise at all, 1%, what needs to be done to make sure that we are ready," Rollins told Fox News Digital Friday. More than 4,000 U.S. Forest Service employees voluntarily resigned under buyouts offered by the Trump administration, according to a POLITICO report. Wildland firefighters were largely exempt from the buyouts and a federal hiring freeze, but blue state leaders say President Donald Trump's slash-and-burn approach cuts key support staff. "The reality is that Trump has decimated the U.S. Forest Service," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a May press conference. "Nearly every single Forest Service employee supports fire operations in some capacity." Many of the workers who departed held Red Cards, meaning they have special training to either fight fires or "provide essential frontline support to the firefighting crews," Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, said. But Rollins said the Biden administration wasted taxpayer funds on unsustainable and irresponsible hiring of people who "really had no job description." "That was in the — not hundreds — in the thousands of hirings that went on just in the Forest Service in the last administration," she said, adding that the service is becoming "more lean" but no less effective. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a memo on May 20 signaling the Trump administration's wildfire response strategy. It calls for the elimination of barriers and "unnecessary procedures" to ensure a rapid response when wildfires threaten life and property. The memo also directs the Forest Service to examine the impact of "voluntary departures" on the firefighting workforce and propose a plan to "remedy critical vacancies." Non-fire staff should also be deployed to support frontline firefighters as wildfire activity increases, allowing for a "more robust and more intentional and more effective force as we move into this season," Rollins said. "But we are not going to waste taxpayer dollars the way that we've seen happen in the past," she said. Wildfires have already scorched more than one million acres across the country so far this year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The center's outlook shows higher temperatures and drier conditions than typical across much of the West this summer. "Our prayer is that it won't actually happen, that it will be lighter than usual, but indicators are showing that it actually may be a heavy fire season," Rollins said. She added she's confident Americans will see "an unprecedented level of coordination" among federal, state and local governments as the summer progresses. "There is zero compromising [on] having the most prepared, most effective [firefighters]," Rollins said. "And we'll do everything possible to ensure that they have every tool they need to be successful this season."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Several states call for tighter restrictions on SNAP benefits
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)– A growing number of states are calling on the federal government to tighten restrictions on what items can be purchased with food stamps, aiming to promote healthier eating habits among low-income Americans. Governors in Indiana, Arkansas and West Virginia are leading the charge, asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for items such as soda, candy and other junk food. 'The health crisis is not a partisan issue,' said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. 'And spending taxpayer dollars wisely is not, hopefully, a partisan issue.' Supporters of the move argue it's about promoting better nutrition and reducing long-term health care costs. Critics, however, say it restricts personal choice and stigmatizes low-income families. 'If those families want to spend money on that junk food, that's their choice,' Rollins added. 'But taxpayer dollars should be spent more responsibly.' Despite calls for reform, questions remain about whether banning certain foods will actually improve health outcomes. Rollins pointed to the significant cost of the program. 'Of the $110 billion that we spend on food stamps—not all nutrition programs, but just food stamps—the biggest cost-driver is sugary drinks.' Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans are taking a different approach—targeting who uses SNAP. The latest version of the 'Big Beautiful Bill Act' includes expanded work requirements for certain recipients. Rob Rodgers, with Volunteers of America, a group that works with disadvantaged communities, voiced concerns over the changes—especially in rural areas. 'I'm concerned about any changes involving children and food programs, because that is significant down here, especially in the rural areas of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi,' Rodgers said. The Senate is expected to begin work on the bill when Congress returns next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Cavanaugh stepping down from Public Service Commission to take USDA role
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Twinkle Cavanaugh, the president of Alabama's Public Service Commission, is stepping down next month to take an appointed role at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cavanaugh will serve as state director for Rural Development in Alabama. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Cavanaugh's appointment Wednesday along with several other state appointments. 'I look forward to seeing the work they will do supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country by implementing President Trump's America First policies,' Rollins said. Cavanaugh was first elected to the Public Service Commission in 2010. The three-person board regulates utilities in the state. She was elected president of the commission in 2012. She ran for lieutenant governor in 2018 but did not secure the Republican nomination. Cavanaugh said she is resigning from the commission on June 1. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will appoint a replacement to the utility board.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
SNAP Update: Map Shows States Banning Junk Purchases
Numerous Republican-led states are working to ban candy and soda as eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, with new rules expected in some states as early as January 2026. This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins signed requests from Indiana and Iowa to limit the buying of unhealthy foods using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. It follows her signature on another waiver from Nebraska last week banning soda and energy drinks-the first of its kind. "States have always been the greatest laboratories of democracy, and I am confident the best ideas will come from them," Rollins said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "Whether demonstration pilots on allowable purchases, or newfound ways to connect work-capable adults to jobs, or even new ways to get food to communities, I will continue to encourage states to be bold and enact change." A waiver grants flexibility by modifying specific USDA program rules, enabling states to administer the SNAP program in different ways. Various states currently have SNAP waivers in place, and they were widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Americans get better access to food benefits. SNAP benefits, also known as "food stamps," are paid to low- and no-income households across the U.S. that would otherwise struggle to afford groceries. Across the U.S., more than 40 million people receive SNAP benefits. If all states that are currently considering such bans succeed, it will impact some 7.1 million recipients. As it stands, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska have had waiver requests approved. The target implementation date for all is January 1, 2026. Three other states have submitted their requests to the USDA: Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, which are yet to be approved or declined. On April 15 in Idaho, Governor Brad Little signed a bill passed through the state Legislature that approved the banning of soda and candy from food assistance benefits. The waiver has not yet been submitted to the USDA. Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana and Tennessee are considering bills from lawmakers on the matter. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins formally requesting a waiver: "Under the Trump administration, for the first time since the program was authorized, states can take steps to eliminate the opportunity to buy junk food with SNAP benefits and assure that taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food. We appreciate your efforts to allow states to implement innovative changes to support our citizens to lead healthy and productive lives." Kavelle Christie, a health policy and advocacy expert, told Newsweek: "These proposals may seem appealing at first-after all, who wouldn't want to promote healthier eating habits? However, examining them closely makes it clear that the intent is power and controlling individuals with low incomes rather than improving nutrition. "SNAP has long been a political target, often viewed as a means to impose moral judgments on low-income families rather than recognized as the essential safety net it truly is." Further waiver approvals are expected as states submit them for consideration by the USDA. Related Articles SNAP Benefit Cut Warning Issued in State Trump Won by 1%Two More States Ban Junk Food From SNAP BenefitsHow Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Will Change SNAP BenefitsWhen Are June 2025 SNAP Payments Coming? 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
SNAP Update: Map Shows States Banning Junk Purchases
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Numerous Republican-led states are working to ban candy and soda as eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, with new rules expected in some states as early as January 2026. This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins signed requests from Indiana and Iowa to limit the buying of unhealthy foods using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. It follows her signature on another waiver from Nebraska last week banning soda and energy drinks—the first of its kind. "States have always been the greatest laboratories of democracy, and I am confident the best ideas will come from them," Rollins said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "Whether demonstration pilots on allowable purchases, or newfound ways to connect work-capable adults to jobs, or even new ways to get food to communities, I will continue to encourage states to be bold and enact change." A waiver grants flexibility by modifying specific USDA program rules, enabling states to administer the SNAP program in different ways. Various states currently have SNAP waivers in place, and they were widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Americans get better access to food benefits. Why It Matters SNAP benefits, also known as "food stamps," are paid to low- and no-income households across the U.S. that would otherwise struggle to afford groceries. Across the U.S., more than 40 million people receive SNAP benefits. If all states that are currently considering such bans succeed, it will impact some 7.1 million recipients. What To Know As it stands, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska have had waiver requests approved. The target implementation date for all is January 1, 2026. Three other states have submitted their requests to the USDA: Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, which are yet to be approved or declined. On April 15 in Idaho, Governor Brad Little signed a bill passed through the state Legislature that approved the banning of soda and candy from food assistance benefits. The waiver has not yet been submitted to the USDA. Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana and Tennessee are considering bills from lawmakers on the matter. What People Are Saying Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins formally requesting a waiver: "Under the Trump administration, for the first time since the program was authorized, states can take steps to eliminate the opportunity to buy junk food with SNAP benefits and assure that taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food. We appreciate your efforts to allow states to implement innovative changes to support our citizens to lead healthy and productive lives." Kavelle Christie, a health policy and advocacy expert, told Newsweek: "These proposals may seem appealing at first—after all, who wouldn't want to promote healthier eating habits? However, examining them closely makes it clear that the intent is power and controlling individuals with low incomes rather than improving nutrition. "SNAP has long been a political target, often viewed as a means to impose moral judgments on low-income families rather than recognized as the essential safety net it truly is." What Happens Next Further waiver approvals are expected as states submit them for consideration by the USDA.
