[Vision2020] Families Face Tough Times

[Tom Trail]

This is a brief report from the National Council of State Legislators 
concerning
tough times that U. S. families face.

States are feeling the impact of hard economic times as more people 
turn to food stamps to put meals on the table.  The Congressional 
Budget Office predicts that
some 28 million people will be using food stamps this year--the highest level
since the program's inception more than 40 years ago.

Food stamp benefits have not kept pace with the rising price of food. 
They average $1 a person per meal and the minimum monthly food stamp 
benefit has remained at $10 for the past 30 years.  Households with 
more than $3,000 in
assets--such as cash or savings--might not qualify.

The Food Stamp Program is funded through the farm bill.  The bill which was
recently passed will raise spending on nutrition programs by more 
than $10 billion over 10 years.  Federal lawmakers agreed to provide 
for a big increase in nutrition programs, especially assistance for 
low-income families.  It will also provide more fresh fruits and 
vegetable to elementary schools.  The
increase would be paid for by raising customs user fees assed at the 
border on imports from abroad.

It is ironic that a low income Idaho citizen who qualifies for food stamps
will not be eligible for the food tax credit recently passed by the Idaho
Legislature.

Rep. Tom Trail
-- 
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
1375 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel:  (208) 882-6077
Fax:  (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail at moscow.com