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Senate committee approves bill to expand SNAP work and training; opponents warn of costs and lost benefits
Summary
House Bill 17‑75 would expand mandatory SNAP employment and training participation to some parents and older adults after a three‑year phase‑in. Supporters said it would boost workforce participation; hunger and child‑advocacy groups warned it could cut food access for children and be costly to implement; DHS estimated a state share cost around $3.2 million.
Representative Bentley introduced House Bill 17‑75 to expand mandatory SNAP employment and training participation beyond the current able‑bodied‑childless adult time limits, applying requirements to certain parents with school‑age children and older adults after a three‑year implementation period. Bentley framed the bill as a workforce re‑engagement measure intended to reduce poverty among children.
Supporters argued the measure would connect Arkansans with training and jobs. Greg Pfister of Opportunity Solutions Project said similar programs help people re‑enter the workforce and can increase incomes. DHS officials told the committee the state could implement the change and estimated a state‑side cost of roughly $3.2 million to cover supports such as transportation and childcare, with federal reimbursement covering roughly half of certain expenses.
Opponents including the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, registered dietitians, and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families warned the expansion risks removing food assistance for vulnerable families and imposes heavy administrative demands. Tamiko Townley and Samantha Statter said SNAP serves school‑age children and that the bill could reduce food security and harm child development; Rich Huddleston highlighted likely administrative and service‑delivery costs if new training slots are required statewide.
After extended debate and multiple witnesses on both sides, the committee voted by voice to pass the bill. The transcript records the voice vote with 'Ayes have it' but provides no roll‑call tally.
