Summary
A judge in California has temporarily stopped the federal government from collecting personal data of people using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 21 states and Washington, D.C. This block came after some states challenged a policy that would require them to share this information to combat fraud. A hearing is scheduled for October 9 to decide if the block will continue.
Key Facts
- A California judge issued a temporary block on collecting SNAP data from 21 states and Washington, D.C.
- This block prevents the USDA from gathering information like names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of SNAP users.
- The USDA wants this data to identify fraud within SNAP, which helps 42 million people in the U.S.
- States involved in the lawsuit argue that personal data should only serve the purpose of administering SNAP.
- The temporary order was issued on September 18 by U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney.
- Many states in the lawsuit worry about privacy and possible use of data for immigration enforcement.
- The USDA warned states that refusing to share data might lead to a loss of federal food assistance funding.
- A hearing to discuss extending the block is set for October 9, and the USDA has until September 26 to oppose it.
