Latest news with #Rollins
The Hill
a day ago
- Health
- The Hill
Which states are looking to ban soda, snack purchases for SNAP recipients?
(NEXSTAR) – On May 19, Nebraska became the first state in the country to obtain a waiver from the USDA to ban residents from purchasing sugary drinks with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By the end of the week, the USDA had granted similar exemptions for Iowa and Indiana. Not all waivers were seeking the same restrictions, however. Nebraska's waiver will effectively prohibit the purchases of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. Iowa's will ban nearly all 'taxable' food items, as defined by Iowa law. And in Illinois, SNAP recipients won't be able to buy soda or candy under the new restrictions. The benefits or consequences of such restrictions have yet to be seen, as they won't go into effect until Jan. 1, 2026. But governors in a handful of other states have already submitted requests for their own SNAP waivers, with the intention of restricting certain foods or drinks — or, in a few cases, easing restrictions — within their own food-assistance programs. In April, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) submitted a waiver seeking permission to exclude 'soft drinks and candy' from permitted SNAP purchases. Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) also filed for waivers in May, requesting exemptions to ban 'soft drinks and candy' and 'sweetened drinks and candy,' respectively. And making its way through the Utah state legislature is a bill seeking to restrict soft drink purchases under SNAP. West Virginia Gov. Patrick West Morrisey, meanwhile, has submitted a waiver to request that soda is 'no longer an entitlement' to those receiving assistance. But he also indicated that he was asking to expand access to hot foods — which are generally not permitted to be purchased with SNAP benefits. Joining him in these efforts is Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), whose waiver seeks to make sweetened beverages unavailable for purchase with food stamps, but 'permit SNAP participants to buy a full range of hot prepared foods from grocery stores, including rotisserie chickens,' a representative for the Colorado Department of Human Services confirmed to Nexstar. It's likely that many of these requests will ultimately be approved (in their current form or otherwise) by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, who approved Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana's requests. Rollins, like many of the Republican governors who supported the idea of these waivers, credited President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (and his 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative) with her decisions. 'President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country,' Rollins, who was sworn in this past February, was quoted as saying in a press release last Friday. 'I look forward to signing even more waivers in the days ahead as we continue to restore the health of America,' she said. In her statement, Rollins had also included Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) among a list of governors who 'stepped up' to request a waiver. But Kelly, who was initially supportive of a waiver, has since retracted her support for any state-mandated restrictions to SNAP purchases. Kelly ultimately vetoed a bill approving a waiver request, claiming the SNAP restrictions would hurt businesses. She also said the definition of allowable foods was 'nonsensical,' as it allegedly allowed the purchases of candy bars but not protein bars or trail mix. 'I support the idea that Kansans should eat healthier. However, changes to the SNAP food assistance program should be made at the federal level, not on a patchwork, state-by-state basis,' Kelly said. Anti-hunger advocates have criticized the waivers, too, saying they add costs, boost administrative burdens, and increase stigma for people already facing food insecurity. Gina Plata-Nino, a deputy director at the nonprofit advocacy group Food Research & Action Center, had argued that Nebraska's waiver 'ignores decades of evidence showing that incentive-based approaches — not punitive restrictions — are the most effective, dignified path to improving nutrition and reducing hunger.' Until this month, the USDA had also rejected the waivers, saying there were no clear standards to define certain foods as good or bad. In addition, the agency had said restrictions would be difficult to implement, complicated and costly, and would not necessarily change recipients' food purchases or reduce health problems such as obesity. Under Rollins, though, the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) now appears much more willing to approve — and even refine — the waivers. 'FNS continues to collaborate extensively with each state on their proposals, which includes holding near daily technical assistance calls with each submitting state,' a spokesperson for the USDA told Nexstar. 'There is no perfect timeline as each State is approaching this differently.' The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yahoo
2 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.
Epoch Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
USDA Announces $14.5 Million Food Safety Funding to States
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins will provide a 'much-needed funding increase' of $14.5 million to states for their meat and poultry safety inspection programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a May 27 The funds will be provided as reimbursements. 'Without this funding, States may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs which ensure products are safe,' the agency said. In the statement, Rollins said, 'President Trump is committed to ensuring Americans have access to a safe, affordable food supply. Today I exercised my authority to robustly fund state meat and poultry inspection programs to ensure states can continue to partner with USDA to deliver effective and efficient food safety inspection.' Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, applauded Rollins and the USDA for the decision. Over the past years, the agency has been offering 'significantly' less funding, impeding the states' ability to provide meat and poultry safety inspection services to producers, he was quoted as saying in the statement. He said that such programs are key to ensuring a 'safe and resilient food system, especially for small and medium-sized producers and processors.' Related Stories 5/23/2025 5/21/2025 'This investment helps safeguard consumers, supports farmers, and ensures that state-inspected meat and poultry continue to reach American dinner tables efficiently and safely,' McKinney said. USDA's higher funding for state food safety inspection comes amid a jump in food outbreak-related illnesses across the United States. According to a Feb. 13 'Nearly 1,400 people became ill from food they ate in 2024 that was later recalled—98 percent of them from just 13 outbreaks, a stunning fact that shows the consequences of companies producing or selling contaminated food,' the report said. Rollins has focused on ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the agency, the USDA said in a May 1 'American farmers and ranchers don't need DEI, they need reduced regulations and an Administration that is actively putting them first,' Rollins said. 'In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, USDA has done exactly that, by cancelling over 3,600 contracts and grants saving more than $5.5 billion.' Strengthening Food Safety A Feb. 3 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) There are at least 30 federal laws governing food safety and quality in the United States, which are administered by 15 federal agencies, including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which comes under the USDA. GAO blamed the fragmented nature of the federal food safety oversight system as being responsible for the 'inconsistent oversight, ineffective coordination, and inefficient use of resources.' 'We previously reported on the need for a national strategy to guide federal efforts to address ongoing fragmentation and improve the federal food safety oversight system,' said the report. 'We maintain that such a strategy could create an opportunity to further strengthen the oversight of the nation's food supply, thereby reducing the economic and public health impacts of foodborne illness.' Last week, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the Study and Framework for Efficiency in Food Oversight and Organizational Design (SAFE FOOD) Act, which aims to tackle the issue, the lawmaker's office said in a May 21 The bill directs the USDA to conduct a study regarding the consolidation of multiple federal food safety agencies into a single agency. 'Current food safety oversight is spread across multiple federal, state, and local agencies which decreases efficacy, creates gaps, and slows response times to potential public health risks,' Cotton said. 'My bill is a commonsense step to expanding government efficiency and enhancing public health protection by unifying our food safety agencies.' Meanwhile, the Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Studies have raised concerns about 'possible links between some of these products and adverse health outcomes,' it said. However, 'American farmers rely on these products, and actions that further regulate or restrict crop protection tools beyond risk-based and scientific processes set forth by Congress must involve thoughtful consideration of what is necessary for adequate protection, alternatives, and cost of production,' the report warned.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
3 reasons why Seth Rollins can win the WWE Money in the Bank ladder match
Image via WWE Seth Rollins could be the one to grab the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase this year. WWE is moving fast-paced towards its next Premium Live Event, Money in the Bank. The event will be taking place on June 7th at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The signature of the event, much like every year, will be the namesake ladder matches with a World Championship opportunity hanging above the ring. On the men's side, so far, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Penta and Seth "Freakin" Rollins have qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match. Out of the current field and looking at recent events, it seems that luck can favor Rollins this year to win the bout. Here are three reasons why The Visionary has a higher chance of becoming Mr Money in the Bank at the PLE: 3. The Paul Heyman Guys can become a huge asset for his win — SASportWWE (@SASportWWE) Seth Rollins is leading the charge of a formidable faction ever since he brought Paul Heyman to his side at WrestleMania 41. First, he added Bron Breakker, and recently, his old rival, Bronson Reed, joined them. They could be a huge asset in his Money in the Bank win. With two spots remaining in the match, maybe one or both of Rollins' cohorts can win the qualifiers to be in the match and help Rollins get an easy win in the ladder bout. 2. Past experience with Money in the Bank Seth Rollins ascended to the main event with the Money in the Bank briefcase. He won the ladder match with the help of The Authority in 2014 and cashed it in memorable fashion in the main event of WrestleMania 31 to win his first World title. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo With major experience of the match and status as a top veteran, the odds are firmly in favor of The Revolutionary to emerge victorious this year. 1. Easy opportunity to win the World Championship and take over RAW Upon the formation of his new unit, Paul Heyman made it known that it was important that Seth Rollins should become the World Champion. He was close to getting it done on RAW until CM Punk returned to spoil his win. However, with The Visionary qualifying for the Money in the Bank ladder match, the golden briefcase could be the easy route for Rollins to succeed in his plan of becoming the champion and take over the Monday Night RAW landscape completely. Also read: Two shocking title changes shake the WWE NXT landscape Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Throwback to Seth Rollins' historic World Heavyweight Championship reign
Seth Rollins and AJ Styles (Image Via WWE) Two years ago, Seth Rollins made WWE history when he became the very first World Heavyweight Champion in the new era. This occurred at Night of Champions 2023, where he went head-to-head with AJ Styles in a match that fans had been eagerly waiting for. The new title was important for WWE , and Rollins' victory started a long and memorable reign that lasted 316 days. Rollins did not just win the belt and forget about it. He worked hard to keep the championship feeling important. Throughout his reign, he faced many tough opponents and showed why he was one of RAW's top stars. The night of the champions match that changed everything The match between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles was very close and had a lot of exciting moments. Both wrestlers wanted to make history as the first World Heavyweight Champion. AJ Styles is known for his quick moves and great skill, while Rollins brought power and smart tactics to the ring. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as near-falls kept happening and the momentum turned many times. Rollins and Styles each had their moments to shine, but in the end, Rollins landed his finishing move, the Stomp, and pinned Styles to win the match. This was a huge moment, not just for Rollins but for the new championship itself. THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF 2023 – Rollins vs. Styles – World Heavyweight Title Match: Night of Champions This match was not just about winning a belt. It was the start of something new for WWE, a new world title with a fresh legacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Rollins made sure the World Heavyweight Championship counted from day one. Seth Rollins' long reign and new challenges Seth Rollins' 316-day reign was full of big matches and tough challengers. He defended the title against top wrestlers like Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre , Shinsuke Nakamura , and Damian Priest . Whether on regular RAW shows or at big pay-per-view events, he kept the title in the spotlight. What made Rollins' reign special was not just his matches. It was his attitude. Rollins wore the championship proudly, and fans respected how hard he worked. His promos and overall presence made him one of WWE's most interesting champions in recent years. Seth Rollins takes down Sami Zayn and Finn Bálor to qualify: Raw highlights, May 26, 2025 Rollins is still going strong in WWE. Recently, on Monday Night RAW in Tampa, Florida, he took part in a triple threat match against Sami Zayn and Finn Balor . This was a qualifier for the Money in the Bank ladder match, set for June 7, 2025, in Inglewood, California. With some help from his friends, Rollins pinned Bálor and earned his spot in the Money in the Bank match. Right now, the Money in the Bank ladder match has LA Knight, Solo Sikoa , Penta, and Seth Rollins confirmed, with two spots still open. Rollins continues to show why he is one of WWE's biggest stars, ready to fight for more gold. Also Read: Bronson Reed returns with a bang, joins Seth Rollins' power-packed WWE faction Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
