Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
AGENCY TESTIMONY
Concerns about potential federal funding cuts to food assistance programs
0:07:47
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110 sec
Jill Berry expresses deep concern over potential federal funding cuts to food assistance programs, particularly SNAP, and their potential impact on New York City residents. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy against these cuts.
- The House plan proposes eliminating $230 billion from agriculture funding, severely impacting SNAP benefits for New Yorkers.
- Neither New York City nor New York State has the budget capacity to replace crucial federal funding.
- Berry highlights the multiplier effect of SNAP, estimating that every dollar in SNAP benefits generates an additional $0.80 to $1.79 in economic impact.
Jill Berry
0:07:47
The federal government is a crucial pillar in advancing the food security of our communities and communities across the country.
0:07:55
That is why we continue to monitor developments in Washington DC closely and continue to underscore the importance of the farm bill and snap.
0:08:04
Proposals for federal cuts would have profoundly negative impacts on vulnerable households.
0:08:10
The house plan contemplates eliminating 230,000,000,000 from agriculture funding which would severely impact SNAP benefits for New Yorkers.
0:08:21
Any reduction in SNAP would have a significant impact on New Yorkers who access our and other essential food security programs.
0:08:30
To be clear neither New York City nor New York State have the budget capacity to replace crucial federal funding.
0:08:39
We encourage the city council and all stakeholders to speak out on the importance of these crucial tools for fighting food insecurity.
0:08:47
These programs need to be retained and augmented.
0:08:51
Instead of a conversation centered on cutting these vital programs we would like the federal conversation to lift up the lived experiences of these vulnerable households.
0:09:02
Moreover, understand the multiplier effect SNAP has in our communities.
0:09:08
The US Department of Agriculture has estimated the benefit of every dollar used to assist SNAP to assist households with SNAP finding between an additional positive 80¢ impact to $1.79 impact on our community.
0:09:26
That multiplier effect supports employment, helps local businesses including local supermarkets and bodegas and contributes to a stronger more resilient economy.