Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-2)
, Chairwoman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, held a hearing to discuss the initiatives states are taking to further improve their SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs to help recipients transition into the workforce and obtain additional skills to increase their earnings. This hearing is a continuation of the committee’s top-to-bottom review known as the Past, Present, and Future of SNAP. Members heard from representatives from three of the ten states selected to participate in the SNAP E&T pilot programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Witnesses shared how they are implementing these programs and the impact they have seen thus far.
Walorski
“A job is the first step for anyone trying to move up the economic ladder and out of poverty. The state SNAP E&T programs we discussed today are providing able-bodied SNAP recipients with greater opportunities through job and search training, transportation assistance, and education programs. These programs are allowing individual states to better target the needs of their respective SNAP populations so they can thrive in a work environment. While these pilots are still in the early stages of implementation, it is essential we understand the successes states are having, the gaps they are seeing, and the strategies they plan to implement to better serve recipients and utilize taxpayer dollars effectively,” said Subcommittee Chairwoman Walorski.
Conaway
“A consistent job can have a transformative impact on someone trying to rise out of poverty. In the 2014 Farm Bill, we recognized this importance by including resources to give people the skills and training they need to find and keep a job. As a result, the SNAP E&T pilot projects are testing innovative strategies to help able-bodied individuals get back on their feet. I look forward to seeing the results of the pilots and how they inform the SNAP E&T services provided across the country to best help individuals obtain a job or better paying job.” said Chairman K. Michael Conaway.
Written testimony provided by the witnesses from today’s hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Subcommittee Chairwoman Walorski’s opening statement and the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Panel I
David Stillman, the Assistant Secretary for the Economic Services Administration, Department of Social and Health Services, Olympia, Washington
Pete Weber, Founder, Fresno Bridge Academy, Fresno, California (accompanied by Kim McCoy Wade, CalFresh Branch Chief, Department of Social Services, Sacramento, California)
Jon Anderson, Deputy Division Director, Office of Family Independence, Division of Family and Children Services, Atlanta, Georgia