Ricketts Introduces Bill to Improve SNAP Efficiency

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act. This bill would make the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more efficient and reduce application backlogs by allowing limited term contractors. This would allow state agencies to make eligibility determinations and distribute benefits to those who need them more quickly.

"When Americans apply for SNAP, they need timely approval," said Ricketts. "Backlogs can overwhelm state departments that provides these services. This bill would allow state agencies to hire contractors when they don't have sufficient staff. That way, Nebraskans can get the SNAP benefits they need on time."

The SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act would:

• Allow a state agency to hire contractors to perform Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) certification and application intake under certain conditions, including:
  • temporary staffing shortages,
  • seasonal workforce shortages,
  • pandemics and other health emergencies,
  • and natural disasters.
• Require the Secretary of Agriculture to create a report of measures taken to address increases in SNAP program applications and any inabilities to process them.

This bill was introduced by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2) and is included in the House-passed Farm Bill.

Text of the bill is available here.