Oregon Takes Action to Address Food Stamp Benefit Errors Amid New Federal Mandates
Salem, OR – Oregon’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is intensifying efforts to reduce errors in food stamp benefit calculations as the state grapples with new federal regulations. Governor Tina Kotek recently revealed details regarding the state’s response, particularly in light of the Republican-led “Big Beautiful Bill,” which is set to change the dynamics of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Currently, over 740,000 Oregonians rely on SNAP, and the report warns that exemptions for certain individuals may increase demand on the state’s food banks and support systems. To combat an alarming administrative error rate of 14.06%, which ranks Oregon eighth in the nation, DHS aims to implement immediate oversight measures. This error rate must drop below 6% to avert devastating financial repercussions, potentially costing the state up to $500 million every two years if federal funding for administration decreases.
New amendments introduced under the Republican administration are poised to tighten eligibility by increasing work requirements and excluding some immigrants from assistance. Advocates are raising alarms that these changes may exacerbate food insecurity, with potentially hundreds of thousands facing new work obligations and losing benefits. Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams emphasized that “food banking can’t replace the scale of federal programs like SNAP,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Additionally, the removal of benefits for utility assistance is estimated to impact around 17,000 households, further straining resources. Governor Kotek denounced the cuts as unjust, vowing to collaborate with lawmakers to mitigate the impending hardships. As Oregon navigates these complexities, advocates and officials stress the need for community support to address the challenges ahead.
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