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Committee Gives SB61 Favorable Report Despite Warnings It Would Increase SNAP, Medicaid Burden
Summary
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund committee advanced SB61, which backers say increases verification and shortens certification periods for SNAP and Medicaid; advocates and agency staff warned it would raise administrative costs, increase errors and disrupt coverage for vulnerable Alabamians.
A Senate committee voted to give SB61 a favorable report after public testimony and extended questioning about the bill’s effects on SNAP and Medicaid eligibility.
Supporters of SB61 say the bill tightens eligibility verification, but witnesses from advocacy groups and state agencies told senators it would significantly raise program costs and administrative work. Carol Gunlock, senior policy analyst at Alabama Arise, said the measure “would drive up the administrative burden” for SNAP and likely increase the program’s error rate. Gunlock also warned…
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