Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext. 1012; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska state Sen. John McCollister will join other speakers to discuss the lack of food access in rural areas as part of a town hall discussion hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.
“Helping Families Find Success and Stability,” will begin at 12:15 p.m. on March 31.
Among the discussion items during the hour-long program will be Legislative Bill 108, which aims to solve what is known as the cliff effect in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Center Policy Associate Nathan Beacom, who will moderate the event, said, under current SNAP guidelines, the cut off for benefits is 130% of the federal poverty level, which often means that people who start earning more than that amount will begin to lose their food assistance before they can earn enough money to make up for it.
“This can discourage families and workers from seeking out higher wages or a better paying job, because doing so could be a net loss for their family,” Beacom said. “LB 108 would raise the cap to 185%, which would be enough to support families and workers as they grow in financial success. With this in place, SNAP can be more likely to support workers on their way out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency."
The webinar will be live streamed on the Center’s Facebook page, which can be found at facebook.com/ruralaffairs.
