JUNEAU – Rep. Genevieve Mina has introduced a crucial piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). House Bill 196 simplifies the SNAP process by enacting broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE): expanding access to SNAP benefits for working, low-income Alaskans while reducing the administrative burden on the Division of Public Assistance. This legislation […]
(Anchorage, AK) – The plaintiffs in a lawsuit over delayed food stamp benefits and the Department of Health (“DOH”) have reached a preliminary agreement to put litigation on hold temporarily while the Division of Public Assistance continues its efforts to clear the backlog in food stamp application processing. After a settlement conference attended by the counsel […]
(Anchorage, AK) – Governor Mike Dunleavy has signed the FY23 Fast Track Supplemental Budget (House Bill 79). The legislation will speed up recertifications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and address case backlogs at the Public Defender Agency and the Office of Public Advocacy. “By signing this bill, we are addressing the needs […]
The Alaska House of Representatives voted 38-1 on Wednesday to approve a fast-moving budget bill that spends as much as $365 million to cover a shortfall in state revenue caused by lower-than-expected oil prices. The bill also includes $6.8 million to immediately address a crisis in the state’s food-stamp program. Staffing shortages have created huge […]