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Maine hearing tests bill to require part of SNAP spending locally; state advocates say federal rules block it
Summary
A bill that would direct a portion of SNAP benefit spending toward local grocery stores and require retailers to stock a minimum share of locally sourced perishables drew sharp opposition from legal advocates, who said federal rules bar such restrictions and warned the measure could harm access in rural areas.
Representative Paul Flynn (District 63) introduced LD 938, a proposal to require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to spend a defined portion of their monthly benefits within a local geographic domain and to have participating retailers maintain a minimum locally sourced share of perishable inventory.
Proponent argument Flynn said the idea originated from his experience as a rural store owner and that directing at least part of federal benefit dollars…
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