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Advocates urge $4.9M in FY27 to expand benefit assisters amid new SNAP administrative costs
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Summary
Policy advocates told the Senate Government Operations Committee that federal HR 1 shifts will increase states' SNAP administrative costs and asked the legislature to appropriate $4,900,000 in FY27 to bolster benefit-assister networks that help Vermonters apply for and maintain SNAP and Medicaid.
Advocates testified Feb. 5 that changes in federal policy have raised the administrative burden on states operating SNAP and recommended state funding to shore up the network of benefit assisters who guide Vermonters through complex eligibility and recertification processes.
Ivy Enoch, identified in testimony as director of policy and advocacy at Hungry Food Vermont, said HR 1 reduced the federal share of SNAP administrative costs and will require Vermont to cover a larger portion of program administration. "They are contributing 25% of the cost to administer this program in states, and states now have to pay 75% of the cost," she said, characterizing the shift as a 25% net increase in state responsibility.
Enoch urged the committee to 'please support the appropriation of $4,900,000 in fiscal year 2027 for benefit assisters for SNAP and Medicaid.' She argued benefit assisters reduce errors in applications, lower administrative burdens on state staff and are essential during emergencies when recertification and outreach pressures rise.
Senators asked detailed questions about whether federal administrative requirements could be reduced; witnesses said most administrative work (reviews, interviews, IT) is mandated to ensure accuracy and that some populations have longer recertification cycles (12–36 months).
The committee did not vote on funding; Enoch said she would follow up with requested national appropriation figures and other background details for the record.
