Summary
The Wisconsin legislature passed a bill that would stop people using SNAP benefits from buying candy and soda. If signed by Governor Tony Evers, the bill will also provide additional funds and create jobs to help manage benefit payments and prevent penalties. The bill reflects a trend where 22 states are seeking to limit the use of food assistance for sugary items.
Key Facts
- Wisconsin lawmakers approved a bill to ban using SNAP benefits to buy candy and soda.
- About 700,000 people in Wisconsin could be affected by this change.
- The bill would add $69 million and 70 jobs to help administer the SNAP program.
- The measure passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, 25-8.
- The new rule helps avoid penalties from a federal law signed by President Trump concerning error rates in SNAP payments.
- Governor Evers expressed disagreement with the ban but acknowledged the importance of the additional resources.
- The bill requires Wisconsin's DHS to seek a federal waiver for the purchase restrictions.
- Similar restrictions are being pursued by 22 states across the U.S.
