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Informational hearing: Rep. Kraft proposes SNAP portal link to Metro Transit low‑fare program
Summary
Representative Kraft presented an informational bill to add a link from the MN benefits (SNAP) portal to Metro Transit's Transit Assistance Program (TAP). Supporters said the modest one‑time integration cost could increase enrollment and ridership; committee took no action because the hearing was informational.
Representative Peter Kraft presented House File 16‑85 at an informational hearing, proposing that the MN benefits portal (used for SNAP and other assistance applications) include a direct link to Metro Transit's Transit Assistance Program (TAP). Supporters said the change would increase awareness of TAP among eligible residents and could raise ridership with a modest integration cost.
Representative Kraft described the Transit Assistance Program as a Metro Transit program that provides a year‑long reduced fare pass on the Go To card for lower‑income riders, charging “a dollar a ride.” He told the committee that about 11,500 unique users used TAP in 2024 but roughly 500,000 metro residents are eligible; DHS processes about 150,000 SNAP applications annually in the metro area. Kraft estimated a one‑time integration cost of roughly $35,000 and characterized even a small increase in uptake as likely to pay for the integration quickly through added fare revenue.
Nas Norkati, state policy lead for Move Minnesota Action, testified in support and described outreach gaps that keep eligible people from learning about TAP. He said TAP recipients often learn about the program by word of mouth, and that integrating a link into the benefits portal is “an easy bill” to increase awareness.
Committee members asked about program overlap with other benefit programs. Representative Nadeau noted that some assistance programs provide free transit for eligible participants and asked whether TAP would duplicate those benefits; Norkati and Kraft said they had discussed the proposal with Metro Transit and DHS and that Metro Transit sees the potential to increase program participation. Representatives also asked whether increased TAP uptake would change Metro Transit revenue; Kraft suggested, based on transit penetration rates, that additional revenue was likely because many potential recipients are not current transit users.
Because the hearing was informational, the committee took no formal action. Committee staff and authors said the matter is being discussed with the state government and transportation committees on budget and jurisdictional questions, and that the project would be run by MNIT under the state government committee’s budget if funded.
