Press Releases

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro warning him that the mismanagement of the Commonwealth's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) harms families in need and wastes taxpayer dollars.

Brushing off $450 million in misspent federal funds as nothing more than “minor paperwork errors” is not only absurd but also dangerously out of touch with reality. Such excuses reveal a blatant disregard for responsible governance and a troubling indifference to safeguarding a program that millions of vulnerable families rely on, simply because Washington has been footing the bill.
 
"Unfortunately, a history of weak leadership and poor decision making in Pennsylvania has resulted in severe state mismanagement of SNAP, creating a disservice to taxpayers and struggling beneficiaries," Chairman Thompson writes.
 
"According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in June of 2024 there were 292,000 open jobs in Pennsylvania. Despite unemployment in the commonwealth at the time being 3.4%, lower than the national average of 4.1%, the Department of Human Services sought waivers for SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents in all but a few counties. The Department intentionally grouped counties in ways to secure approval from the Biden Administration, despite the areas having relatively low unemployment. This decision denied Pennsylvanians the opportunity to work, participate in job training, or pursue volunteer opportunities. Today, it is estimated that 170,000 able-bodied adults without dependents have been waived from work requirements," the letter continues.
 
"In 2022, the Department of Human Services increased the income threshold to 200 percent of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, creating a new benefit for more than 420,000 Pennsylvanians. Increasing SNAP caseloads have consequences for our most vulnerable. In 2024, Pennsylvania paid more than $450 million in SNAP benefits incorrectly, a combination of both overpayments and underpayments."
 
"If your administration cannot make improvements in program administration that have been possible in the past, I suggest that you re-examine budget priorities and further invest in SNAP. Congress can no longer turn a blind eye to states diverting taxpayer funding from vulnerable families, and you have an opportunity to be a part of this solution," Chairman Thompson writes.

The full letter can be found here.