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No Hungry Heroes Act aims to protect veterans from SNAP cuts, senators say
Summary
SB 1201 would allow the state to seek federal waivers and ensure county referrals to veteran service officers to protect veterans from recent SNAP time‑limit changes; proponents argued veterans face unique barriers to employment and enrollment and urged waivers for vulnerable groups.
Senator McBurney presented SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, describing federal changes in HR 1 that created new time limits and work reporting requirements that disproportionately affect veterans. Testimony from county veterans service officers and the California Association of Food Banks highlighted the administrative barriers and argued the state should request federal waivers, exclude job‑search expenses from income calculations, and connect veterans applying for CalFresh to county veteran service officers.
Roberto Alvarez, representing county veterans service officers, said the bill would restore exemptions and referrals that better reflect veterans’ service‑to‑civilian transition challenges. Advocates argued the proposal provides targeted relief for veterans who are newly discharged, homeless, awaiting VA disability determinations, or raising children.
Committee members expressed broad support; the measure was moved to the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
