Senate Human Services committee hears broad support and objections for ‘Food for All Oregonians’ program

Summary

Supporters, including lawmakers and hunger-relief groups, told the Senate Committee on Human Services that Senate Bill 6 11 would extend state-funded SNAP-equivalent benefits to youth and seniors excluded by immigration status. Opponents warned of costs and legal concerns. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.

Senate Bill 6 11, a proposal to create a state-funded “Food for All Oregonians” program that would mirror SNAP for people excluded because of immigration status, drew lengthy testimony for and against the measure at a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Human Services.

The bill, described to the committee as establishing the Food for All Oregonians program within the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide nutrition assistance to people who meet SNAP eligibility except for immigration status, also would require ODHS to convene an advisory group to recommend performance metrics for the program (Matthew, staff, overview).

Why it matters: Supporters said the program targets gaps that emergency food providers cannot fill, will improve health and school outcomes for children, and help seniors afford medication. Opponents said the proposal would direct taxpayer dollars to noncitizens and questioned legal and fiscal consequences.

Supporters’ arguments and details

- Senator Suzanne Weber, a bill sponsor, framed the bill as a response to hunger among children and seniors and said the measure has bipartisan, bicameral support from urban, suburban and rural legislators (Sen. Suzanne Weber). She said addressing hunger now could reduce later pressure on…

Senate Human Services committee hears broad support and objections for ‘Food for All Oregonians’ program

Summary

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