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Subcommittee advances bill to protect veterans from CalFresh work-time limits
Summary
A subcommittee advanced SB 1201, the 'No Hungry Heroes Act,' directing California to seek federal waivers, prevent counting job-search costs against benefits, and require county referrals to veteran service officers to help veterans avoid CalFresh benefit loss amid recent federal SNAP changes.
Senator McNerney introduced SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, telling the Assembly subcommittee the bill would direct California to seek federal waivers and connect every veteran who applies for CalFresh to a county veteran services officer. "SB 1201 helps protect veterans from these cuts by directing the state to request waivers," the author said.
David West, representing the California Association of County Veteran Services Officers, told the committee the measure builds on existing local infrastructure and would ease access to food benefits for veterans transitioning to civilian life. "This bill meets veterans where they are, removes unnecessary barriers, and ensures that those who serve our country do not go without food," West said. He added counties often house CVSOs and that the bill relies on those local relationships rather than creating a new program.
Josh Wright of the California Association of Food Banks said the federal change known as HR 1 added a time limit and a 20-hour weekly work-reporting requirement that can cut off benefits after three months. "Over 5,000,000 Californians rely on the food benefits they receive from CalFresh every month," Wright said, and the association estimates about 115,000 veteran families rely on CalFresh in California. He said SB 1201 would request waivers for veterans who are homeless, newly discharged, awaiting disability determinations, or raising children and would ensure job-search costs do not count against eligibility.
Multiple veterans' groups and county officials—among them representatives from the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and county supervisors—spoke in support of the bill. Vice Chair Gonzales, who identified himself as a veteran, praised the measure as nonpartisan and said he would vote in full support. The committee moved SB 1201, with motion by Quirk Silva and a second by Carrillo, and on roll call the measure passed and was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
