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Wyoming committee hears SNAP and summer nutrition concerns; state official flags potential federal changes
Summary
Senators and representatives discussed SNAP usage statistics, summer nutrition initiatives and the state's readiness for possible federal changes to SNAP; the Department of Family Services said federal guidance could prompt policy or appropriations responses.
During discussion of summer nutrition and SNAP-related interim topics, Senator Scott raised concerns about possible expansions of SNAP usage and asked committee staff to "bunch" nutrition-related topics for review.
Senator Barlow corrected a statistic cited to the committee, saying Wyoming had about 29,000 residents on SNAP (roughly 5% of the state population) in 2024, compared with a national figure of about 12%. Barlow urged using official data rather than anecdote when assessing program scope.
Corinne Schmidt, director of the Department of Family Services, told the committee the federal administration had issued a letter outlining potential SNAP flexibilities and that discussions could include potential reductions in benefits or increased eligibility requirements. "If it does have any impact, it would maybe be around appropriations or a policy discussion about what the state would like to do in response to any potential reductions," she said.
The committee did not advance a bill; members asked staff and agencies to prepare background material and to coordinate with the first lady's office and the Joint Education Committee, which planned related discussion on summer food programs.
