Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee urges review of SNAP Employment & Training to boost workforce participation
Summary
Senate Resolution 18, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program, passed the Families and Children Committee with a favorable expression; witnesses said the program can expand job training without requiring new general-fund appropriations except for certain IT costs.
The Senate Families and Children Committee voted to advance Senate Resolution 18, which encourages state leaders to "maximize participation" in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training program (SNAP E&T) to expand training and workforce services for SNAP recipients.
Senator Neal introduced the measure and asked the committee to consider how Kentucky can better leverage federal SNAP E&T funding. Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy described SNAP E&T as an underused federal tool that helps SNAP participants obtain job training, vocational education and supports for barriers such as childcare and transportation. Klein told the committee the state-run program currently focuses on SNAP participants between ages 16 and 59 and is operated by five partners across the state.
"By fully leveraging federal funding, we can expand access to training and employment services at no additional cost to the Commonwealth," Klein said, explaining the program's purpose and potential.
Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told the committee the work connecting SNAP to local farmers and hospitals is underway and emphasized the program's role in helping people move from public assistance into wage employment. Friedlander and Klein said SNAP E&T operates largely through matches with employers, universities and workforce boards; SNAP E&T education and training is typically a 50/50 match, the witnesses said.
Committee members asked whether expanding SNAP E&T would require additional state general-fund appropriations. Secretary Friedlander said it should not require new general-fund spending except in limited cases — for example, IT integration costs tied to eligibility systems. The secretary said the cabinet would provide more detail at a future meeting, including information about program fiscal notes and what foods are most commonly purchased with SNAP benefits.
There was additional discussion of local initiatives, including a "double dollars" program run by the nonprofit Community Farm Alliance that matches SNAP benefits for fresh produce and — uniquely in Kentucky — also for meat and dairy at participating markets. Senator Herron and other members referenced local employer training partnerships, including a recent Amazon Airhub graduation that could serve as a model for SNAP E&T partnerships with employers.
The committee carried Senate Resolution 18; the recorded committee roll call showed eight ayes and one pass. Committee members described the resolution as a nonbinding statement urging the cabinet and partners to identify barriers and outreach strategies to expand the program.
