Illinoisans stressed the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) near the 2017 Farm Progress Show.
The House Agriculture Committees hosted Illinois residents at the fifth farm bill listening session. Committee members heard nearly three hours of testimony, and a lot of comment regarding SNAP.
Glenn Thompson is Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and serves as Chair for the Nutrition Subcommittee. Thompson said he appreciated feedback received at the listening session.
?I really appreciated today?s opportunity, and every opportunity under the chairman?s leadership. We can?t effectively lead on agriculture issues and issues related to the rural economy unless we listen first. This was a great day for that. All that was shared was outstanding,? Thompson said.
Thompson recalled comment from a young woman at the listening session.
?There was one young lady who was a very young mom. She went back for a post-secondary education, and talked about the importance of the nutrition title and SNAP and how that made a difference in meeting her and her young daughter?s needs. Without that support, I got the sense that she wasn?t going to be able to cross the finish line, the finish line to greater opportunity,? Thompson said.
Thompson said feedback received will help the House Agriculture Committee in writing the farm bill, as well as ensure all Americans have access to high-quality and safe food.
House Agriculture Committee Chair Michael Conaway said he hopes to renew both the farm bill and SNAP on time.
?Me personally, I?m agnostic. I want to get both renewed on time. The only people talking about separating the two want to defeat both of them. That?s a conversation that I?m excitedly uninterested in having. If there?s a logic to doing them separately and we can get them across the finish line on time, great. If the path is easier together, great,? Thompson said.
