Black Caucus Pushes For Fair Funding And Transparency In CalFresh Distribution

As the federal government shutdown loomed—intensifying concerns over a potential hunger crisis—Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) took action by introducing Assembly Bill (AB) 1211, titled “CalFresh Eligibility.” This legislation aimed to mandate that the State Department of Social Services maintains CalFresh benefits at their current levels post-January 20, 2025, regardless of any future reductions by Washington to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.Despite its aim to study the feasibility of augmenting CalFresh benefits, the bill failed to progress, stalling in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. As the shutdown threatened November SNAP payments, two federal judges intervened, compelling the Trump administration to uphold funding.Sharp-Collins asserted the necessity of CalFresh for vulnerable Californians, while Senator Akilah Weber Pierson also advocated against federal cuts to the program, highlighting alarming food insecurity statistics. Their joint efforts, alongside initiatives from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, strive to fortify nutrition assistance amidst escalating challenges faced by families.

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