The first legislative funnel, a major hurdle for legislation to pass at the Iowa statehouse, has come and gone. Much like the Iowa weather, you can expect constant change at this point in the process. Several bills have passed this key hurdle and would seek to add additional barriers for people accessing food assistance. Take shelter with us as we briefly recap the food legislative forecast so far…
First—here’s the best way for you to take action right now.
Contact your State Representative and Senator:
- Tell them to protect nutrition assistance for all Iowans, regardless of where their family was born. Don’t make it harder for vulnerable people—especially our pregnant neighbors and young children—to access the food they need to thrive.
- Tell them to Invest in Iowans feeding Iowans by funding the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Programs and Double Up Food Bucks.
You can learn more about specific pieces of legislation and what they would do below.
@dmarcunited And now here’s Luke with the weather… oh wait. Iowa legislators are moving several bills that will harm or help people visiting their local food pantry. Let your reps know how to help your neighbors in need. #iowa #iowapolitics #foodinsecurity ♬ original sound – DMARCunited
The Bad News (Bills We Oppose):
Immigration-related “welfare reform” bills concerning SNAP and WIC advanced in the House and Senate. The Senate bill would largely codify federal law for SNAP, but the House version includes a number of harmful provisions that would take food away from young children.
- HF 2716 would restrict WIC eligibility based on citizenship, require 12 months of Iowa residency to qualify for public assistance programs (which goes against federal law), and require SNAP applicants to list the citizenship status of all household members, even those not applying for benefits. Tell your Representative to oppose HF 2716!
- SF 2422 would codify immigration-related changes from HR1 in state law. This bill is now eligible for debate in the Senate.
Efforts by the Governor’s office to codify Iowa’s food and beverage restrictions for SNAP and Summer EBT advanced in both the House and Senate last week. These bills would give authority to the Iowa HHS Director (or someone they designate) to determine what is considered “healthy food” eligible for SNAP and Summer EBT. They would also tie Iowa’s participation in Summer EBT to the “healthy foods” waiver.
- SF 2367 has been referred to the Senate State Government Committee, and has been assigned a subcommittee of Sen. Webster, Sen. Blake, and Sen. Salmon.
- HF 2676 includes the waiver codification language, and is now eligible for floor debate in the House. Tell your Representative to oppose Division III of HF 2676!
The Good News (Bills We Support):
The Iowa Farm Act passed out of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees last week. The bill makes positive changes to the Choose Iowa Food Bank Purchasing Program and codifies the Choose Iowa School Purchasing Program.
- HF 2340 has been referred to Ways & Means, and has a subcommittee of Rep. Wulf, Rep. Hermanson, and Rep. Kurth.
- SF 2420 has been introduced and referred to the Appropriations Committee.
While legislation that included a $1 million appropriation for Double Up Food Bucks stalled in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee last week, there are still opportunities to get this funded. Contact your Representative and Senator and tell them to include a $1 million appropriation for Double Up Food Bucks in the budget!
