Latest news with #TemporaryAssistanceforNeedyFamilies
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
WA student summer food program open for applications
Jun. 3—OLYMPIA — This summer, approximately 620,000 children across Washington will benefit from SUN Bucks, a program designed to help families purchase food when school is not in session. The initiative, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, is aimed at providing nutritional support during the summer months. "The Washington SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program is a vital resource for many of our Ephrata families, especially those experiencing housing instability," Ephrata School District Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning and McKinney-Vento Liaison Deb Knox said in a statement to the Columbia Basin Herald. "During the summer months, when school meals aren't available, this program helps ensure students still have access to nutritious food. It eases some of the burden families face and supports the health and well-being of our kids during a critical time." In December 2022, the federal government established a permanent summer EBT program to ensure that children have access to food amidst rising costs and limited resources. With federal approval secured, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has partnered with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to kick off the distribution of SUN Bucks starting June 1. "Students learn better when their basic needs are met," State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said in a statement. "During the school year, we ensure students are fed during the day with our recently expanded school meal program. While school isn't in session, the summer EBT program provides an essential opportunity for children in Washington to access nutrition and meals." Each eligible child in participating households will receive a one-time payment of $120, which will be deposited onto existing SUN Bucks cards beginning June 1. People who qualify have 122 days to use the funds before they expire. For newly eligible participants, cards will be mailed starting mid-June. Eligibility requirements vary for children aged 8 to 18 from households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Benefits will qualify automatically. "I think the biggest thing is that having a program provided by the state that enables families to access food for school-aged children during the summer is always going to be important," Moses Lake School District Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. "While it's a one-time benefit, a lot of families find that benefit immensely important, especially during the summer months, when kids are home more versus in school and their grocery bills naturally tend to be a little bit higher during the summer months." Additionally, students who attend schools offering the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and are certified for free or reduced-price meals may qualify as well. "Food is foundational to everyone's well-being," Cheryl Strange, acting secretary of DSHS, said in a statement. "We are pleased to partner with OSPI to ensure as much support for children and families as we can, especially during the summer months." Families who do not automatically qualify can apply online for the SUN Bucks program, which is available in both English and Spanish. Applications will be accepted through August 29, 2025. Moreover, families receiving SUN Bucks can still participate in existing Summer Child Nutrition Programs, including grab-and-go meals at local schools and community sites, ensuring comprehensive food access during the summer. The Columbia Basin Herald published an article yesterday on where students can access grab-and-go meals and sit-down meals during the summer months. For more information or assistance, families can contact the SUN Bucks Contact Center at 833-543-3230 during regular business hours.
Toronto Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
PARKER: Why are Republicans having such problems doing what needs to be done?
Why is it such a struggle for Republicans to do what needs to be done regarding taxes and spending? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Let's get to the root of the problem. I began my work some 30 years ago with a passion to fix what was broken in our nation's low-income communities. That is, to end the cycle of poverty — children growing up in poor households and remaining poor as adults. I saw that what was widely accepted as the solution — America's generous welfare state — was the problem. It became clear to me that there is only one path out of poverty: A growing economy to create opportunity and citizens prepared, morally and physically, to participate and work. President Bill Clinton, in his State of the Union address in 1996, announced 'the era of big government is over.' Major welfare reform was passed. Aid to Families with Dependent Children was replaced by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, on which I consulted with Republicans. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When TANF was passed in 1996, federal spending as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) was a little over 19%. When Clinton left office, it was down to 17.5% and federal debt was less than 33% of GDP. I offer this as a backdrop to the 'big, beautiful bill' with which the Republicans are now struggling. Federal spending is now 23.5% of GDP and federal debt is 100% of GDP. I note, once again, that the average real growth of the U.S. economy from 1950-1999 was 3.6% per year. From 2000-2024, it was 2.2% per year. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that, by 2035, federal spending will reach 24.4% of GDP, debt 118% of GDP and growth will be down to 1.8%. It is sufficient indication of how we have lost our way that it takes a book to even describe what is in the 'big, beautiful bill.' The tax code has become a massive nightmare of complexity because it's now a tool for social engineering and political favours rather than the vehicle through which we finance the legitimate functions of government. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Regarding spending, those who cower from making cuts in Medicaid should read my lips. If you care about the nation's poor, let's get our economy growing. And there is only one way to do this — less government and lower and simpler taxes. Furthermore, is it too much to ask able-bodied adults receiving federal welfare to work and put some money on the table toward their health-care costs? And, if we're going to be truthful here, let's get it out loud and clear. How can Republicans claim credibility about wanting to deal with runaway government when the two single biggest government programs — Social Security and Medicare — are not even part of the discussion? Per the CBO, in 2025, Social Security and Medicare will account for more than a third of the 23.5% that federal spending is taking from GDP. By 2035, per the CBO, Social Security and Medicare will consume 41% of federal spending. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The two largest federal programs, both with major fiscal problems, are not part of this discussion, and political leaders want to seem principled? I ask every Republican to look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are serving. Realize what I realized more than 30 years ago. Big government does not help, but hurts our poor. The way to help the poor is growth and the way to get growth is to get government out of the way. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence concluded, 'We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honour.' They courageously affixed their signatures, knowing war with the British Empire was inevitable. The nation's present and future are in great jeopardy. We have profoundly lost our way. Those whose sense of mission is not aligned with the nation's founders should seek a new line of work. Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education Toronto & GTA Other Sports Columnists Columnists Editorial Cartoons
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Why Are Republicans Having Such Problems Doing What Clearly Needs to Be Done?
Commentary Why is it such a struggle for Republicans to do what clearly needs to be done regarding taxes and spending? Let's get to the root of the problem. I began my work some 30 years ago with a passion to fix what was broken in our nation's low-income communities. That is, to end the cycle of poverty—children growing up in poor households and remaining poor as adults. I saw that what was widely accepted as the solution—America's generous welfare state—was the problem. Related Stories 5/16/2025 4/28/2025 It became clear to me that there is only one path out of poverty: a growing economy to create opportunity and citizens prepared, morally and physically, to participate and work. President Bill Clinton, in his State of the Union address in 1996, announced 'the era of big government is over.' Major welfare reform was passed. Aid to Families with Dependent Children was replaced by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, on which I consulted with Republicans. When TANF passed in 1996, federal spending as a percent of GDP was a little over 19 percent. When Clinton left office, it was down to 17.5 percent and federal debt was less than 33 percent of GDP. I offer this as backdrop to the 'big, beautiful bill' with which Republicans are now struggling. Federal spending is now 23.5 percent of GDP and federal debt is 100 percent of GDP. I note, once again, that the average real growth of the U.S. economy from 1950–1999 was 3.6 percent per year. From 2000–2024, it was 2.2 percent per year. Congressional Budget Office projects by 2035 federal spending will reach 24.4 percent of GDP, debt 118 percent of GDP, and growth will be down to 1.8 percent. It is sufficient indication of how we have lost our way that it takes a book to even describe what is in the 'big, beautiful bill.' The tax code has become a massive nightmare of complexity because it's now a tool for social engineering and political favors rather than the vehicle through which we finance the legitimate functions of government. Regarding spending, those who cower from making cuts in Medicaid should read my lips. If you care about the nation's poor, let's get our economy growing. And there is only one way to do this: less government, and lower and simpler taxes. Furthermore, is it too much to ask able-bodied adults, getting federal welfare, to work and put some money on the table toward their health care costs? And, if we're going to be truthful here, let's get it out loud and clear. How can Republicans really claim credibility about wanting to deal with runaway government when the two single biggest government programs—Social Security and Medicare—are not even part of the discussion? Per CBO, in 2025, Social Security and Medicare will account for more than a third of the 23.5 percent that federal spending is taking from GDP. By 2035, per CBO, Social Security and Medicare will consume 41 percent of federal spending. The two largest federal programs, both with major fiscal problems, are not part of this discussion, and political leaders want to seem principled? I ask every Republican to look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are serving. Realize what I realized more than 30 years ago. Big government does not help but hurts our poor. The way to help the poor is growth, and the way to get growth is to get government out of the way. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence concluded saying, 'We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.' They courageously affixed their signatures knowing war with the British empire was inevitable. The nation's present and future is in great jeopardy. We have profoundly lost our way. Those whose sense of mission is not aligned with the nation's founders should seek a new line of work. Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hattiesburg man pleads guilty to SNAP benefits fraud
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – A Hattiesburg man pled guilty in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families. According to court documents, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., 31, unlawfully acquired and used SNAP benefits in November 2023. Williams admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. Bond denied for man charged in Hattiesburg officer-involved shooting SNAP is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. According to prosecutors, Williams also admitted to using TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado department: Medicaid work requirements could cost state millions
DENVER (KDVR) — Congressional lawmakers have been working around the clock on what the president is calling 'One Big Beautiful Bill': a budget plan to fund his agenda. Medicaid continues to be a focal point for people watching the bill's movement. One provision of the bill could determine who is eligible to receive benefits. Experts said about 60% of Coloradans on Medicaid already meet these requirements. The tough part could be proving it. 'Medicaid has kind of run on its own, the requirements haven't changed significantly,' said Jessica Greenfield, Associate Professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Republicans to watch on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' The budget bill making its way through Congress could change that. The bill that would reduce federal spending on Medicaid seeks to change how people prove their eligibility, asking them to show their community engagement by spending 80 hours a month at a job, work training, school or volunteering part-time. 'It is a practice that is used in a couple of programs. For instance, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program implemented work requirements a long time ago. It's being used in two states with the medicaid program as well. So there is some history and there is a great deal of research on what the impacts of work requirements have been,' Greenfield said. An April report from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance shows that when Arkansas implemented its work requirement, it ran its state $26 million in administrative costs. If this new policy passes, HCPF says it would cost Colorado $57 million due to the state's county administrative model. Even with that cost analysis, Governor Jared Polis said the work requirements are the least egregious part of the plan. 'Frankly, we would be fortunate if we emerge from this with requirements that had sufficient flexibility for states to successfully implement them. So you know, they are talking about much harsher actual cuts to Medicaid dollars, cuts that would either force a reduction in benefits and force, if not a full rollback of the medicaid expansion that Colorado has,' Polis said at a press conference with other Democratic governors. Kelly Loving Act signed into Colorado law Experts believe the policy could place a heavy burden on recipients to prove their status and on counties enforcing the policy. They worry it could be a slippery slope, jeopardizing healthcare for some 1.2 million Coloradans on Medicaid. 'If you're working, taking time out of that workday to get the paperwork submitted can be really difficult, especially if you're in an hourly job where every hour is monitored. It also is putting a huge burden on the counties that actually administer these programs. So it would end up being a major cost increase for states and counties,' said Greenfield. 'Instead of supporting somebody who has a chronic disease to manage, we will instead be causing them to forgo medications, forgo doctors' visits, turning to ERs instead of seeing primary care. Those ripple effects will be very costly for our system, but also costly in terms of human lives.' HCPF estimates 377,000 Coloradans could lose coverage under those medicaid expansion cuts. Originally, the bill called for these provisions to be put in place by 2029, but some members of Congress said that was not soon enough. Leaders now anticipate that the requirements could be in effect by 2027 if the bill passes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
