Bill Text: MI HR0100 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the flexibility of states to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 5-1)
Status: (Passed) 2011-06-23 - Adopted [HR0100 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0100-Enrolled.html
Reps. Cotter, Horn, Huuki, Knollenberg, LeBlanc and Tyler offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 100.
A resolution to memorialize Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the flexibility of states to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Whereas, Through the various programs offered, including the School Lunch Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, and a host of other nutritional support endeavors, the federal government provides access to food for children and low-income people. The operation of these programs affects the lives of families and individuals at the state and local levels, therefore, state government should have more latitude and authority to tailor programs to meet the needs of individual communities. Because the quality of food available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs is an important part of improving the health of low-income Americans of all ages, states need authority that extends beyond the waiver process to ensure that assistance is provided to those most in need; and
Whereas, While many strides have been made to increase the quality of food that is made available through the Nutrition Assistance Program, more needs to be done. With obesity rising to the forefront of public health concerns, especially among our young people, it is essential that we increase our efforts to improve the quality of food by promoting better nutrition choices among program recipients and increasing healthy food options in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs; and
Whereas, SNAP statutes, regulations, and waivers offer states numerous policy options for the purpose of streamlining operations. However, states are restricted from having a voice that enables significant control over the distribution of SNAP funding where it may be most needed. It is essential that the Nutrition Assistance Program increase its efforts to ensure access to nutritious foods that will help address the burgeoning incidences of obesity and nutrition-related chronic disease in this country; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Assistance Program to increase the quality of food options through the Nutrition Assistance Programs and to offer states greater flexibility in the operation of SNAP, whether through block grants or the administration of the program; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
