Letters: SNAP cuts are nothing to be proud of; Fair, transparent redistricting process needed
Recently, Congressman Glenn Thompson wrote the following about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): 'Revitalizing Rural America: This week, the House Agriculture Committee passed its portion of the House's reconciliation budget bill. It restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides relief to farmers, and invests in the future of rural America. ... As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I was proud to lead this legislation that strengthens the agricultural supply chain and puts rural America back at the center of our policy agenda ...'
Let's set the record straight.
This bill does not restore integrity of SNAP; it guts the program by cutting $300 billion in federal funding.
This bill will hurt farmers and especially rural communities. SNAP recipients spend their benefits in local grocery stores, so SNAP dollars support jobs involved in producing, transporting, and marketing food.
Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Without food security, children are at greater risk of poor health and development (Economic Research Service, USDA, 2013). Along with cuts to Medicaid, the plight of low-income families will be worse, as families face both higher health care costs and less money for food.
U.S. Department of Agriculture research shows that expanding SNAP benefits in times of recession reduces food insecurity. (Economic Research Service, USDA, 2011, 2013).
Congressman Thompson: What is there to be 'proud about' in taking food from low-income children and families to lower taxes for the wealthy?
Lucia Kaiser, State College
As a member of Generation Z, I grew up in an era defined by extreme partisanship. Unwillingness to cooperate across political parties has eroded trust in democracy. Legislation in the Pennsylvania House and Senate State Government Committees offers hope for meaningful reform by reducing polarization and legislative gridlock through a fair and transparent redistricting process for future generations.
House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131 would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution by establishing an independent redistricting commission. The bills' numbering reminds us that districts will be redrawn in 2031.
Currently, political parties control the redistricting process. Majority and minority leaders draw district lines not based on population but on what would be most likely to maintain their power. HB31 and SB131 reduce partisanship by establishing an independent commission of citizens, which will now include previously excluded independent voters.
The current redistricting process also lacks rules regarding transparency. Committee chairs can hold hearings for congressional districts but are not required to do so. HB31 and SB131 mandate that all information be publicly shared and available for public comment.
So far this year, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has enacted only two bills, but June is their most active month with at least 14 days in session. As chair of the State Government committee, Senator Cris Dush determines whether SB 131 will be put to a committee vote.
To learn more about the bills, check out www.fairdistrictspa.com or stop by Fair Districts tables at Pride, Juneteenth, and/or Arts Fest.
Noah Bradford Demo, State College
It is ironic that draft dodger Trump, who has repeatedly defamed our country's military, is insisting on having a military parade that will undoubtedly bring more attention to his failures.
Moreover, it is outrageous that millions of dollars will be spent on such an event, especially after the draft dodger withdrew funding for life-saving veteran health care services including mental health and addiction treatment, the Veterans Crisis hot line, and other services designed to help veterans who lost a limb while serving our country in harm's way.
Even more alarming is the fact that the draft dodger and his sycophants are trashing the Constitution and the rule of law while Republican members of Congress sit idly by as they watch the dismantling of our governmental agencies. As indicated by retired Major General Paul Eaton, every patriotic American should be scared of the grave threat that the draft dodger poses to our democracy.
Americans who cherish our democracy must stand up and join forces with those of us who will resist the draft dodger and his billionaire oligarchs. There are many ways to resist the draft dodger including speaking out to your state and congressional representatives, voting in primaries and elections for better representatives, and providing financial support to organizations that file federal lawsuits against the draft dodger.
Kevin Alloway, Port Matilda
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