Proposed SNAP rules blasted

Benjamin Imbus, a teacher at John Adams Middle School in Albuquerque, tells a public hearing Friday in Santa Fe that many of his students are unable to concentrate in class due to chronic hunger. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)

SANTA FE – A plan to reimpose and broaden New Mexico’s work rules for food assistance came under withering criticism Friday, as critics of the Human Services Department’s proposal testified the new requirements – which would affect more than 62,000 people – would do more harm than good in a state long beset by hunger and poverty problems.

The agency’s public hearing on the proposed work rules for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, drew roughly 50 people, with all of those who testified speaking in opposition.

“These requirements are punitive, costly and ineffective, and will only make it more difficult for our already beleaguered poor to jump through hoops,” said Frank Quintana, a minister at the Blessed Oscar Romero Catholic Community in Albuquerque.

The work rules proposed by Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration would require parents of children over age 6 to participate in work-related activities – including community service – to qualify for SNAP.

Read more: http://www.abqjournal.com/614436/news/critics-blast-proposed-snap-requirements-as-punitive-misguided.html