Appropriations committee reallocates positions, cites federal SNAP match cut
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Summary
The committee approved multiple reallocations and position transfers to respond to a federal cut in the SNAP administrative match rate from 50% to 25%, saying the changes are necessary to continue program operations despite minority concern about long‑term funding effects.
Lawmakers in the Appropriations Committee moved a group of budget items to respond to an announced reduction in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative match rate from 50% to 25%, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
Rep. Drew Gattin explained the package reallocates positions and adjusts funding mixes within the Office for Family Independence and the Food Supplement Administration Program so the state can maintain program operations in light of the federal change. "We can't really say no to this and continue to run a SNAP program," Gattin said, describing the moves as reallocations rather than new positions.
Several members, led by Representative O'Rara and Representative Ducharme, said they would prefer filling new tasks from unfilled positions within DHHS — both members referenced an approximate vacancy count of several hundred in that department. Rep. Deshaun warned that when federal money goes away "the people go away," and said he would oppose the measures for that reason.
Despite objections, motions covering lines 154–157 and 158–163 (reallocations and fund adjustments across programs) carried by committee votes (typically recorded as 8–5). The committee also moved items to cover expected postage increases and to fund a heating assistance benefit to reduce SNAP payment error rates.
Proponents framed the package as a forced response to a federal decision and said failing to act would jeopardize program continuity; opponents warned the moves could lead to future state budget pressure and urged using unfilled positions where possible.
