Cuts considered to SNAP and TANF for noncitizens

The Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs is continuing to work on Gov. Janet Mills’s proposed biennial budget that includes cuts to food and cash assistance for non-citizens.

LD 210, “An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations from the General Fund and Other Funds for the Expenditures of State Government and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027” would eliminate the hardship exemption for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefit programs.

If the cuts are made, noncitizens who have a work permit but who lose their job, would no longer be eligible either for SNAP, or for TANF – which provides cash assistance to families with children – while they search for another job.

At press time, the Committee was scheduled to hold a public hearing on the SNAP and TANF proposals on February 24. In the past, the committee has often made changes to budget proposals following public input. Testimony that is emailed to [email protected] will reach all members of the committee.

To find the contact information for your state representative, visit legislature.maine.gov/house/house. To find your state senator go to https://legislature.maine.gov/senate.