The Senate is debating its version of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill right now. Several harmful amendments are being considered that would cut future SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) benefits. SNAP is a vital source of nutritious food for many of the individuals and families we serve in Cook County.  Making changes to SNAP at this accelerated pace in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill would hurt thousands of Illinoisans, increase administrative burdens and take control away from states. We urge you to call your Senators and ask them to oppose any amendments that would cut SNAP or any of the nutrition assistance programs in this bill. Help us keep the pressure on Congress and tell them that cutting anti-hunger programs is unacceptable!

The Senate may be voting on these amendments any minute, so call Senators Durbin and Kirk NOW and deliver this message:

“Hi, my name is ________ and I am from (city, state). I am calling you today to urge you to vote for passage of the Senate’s FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill and oppose any amendments that may harm SNAP or any other anti-hunger program.” 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Tel: (202) 224-2152

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk
Tel: (202) 224-2854

About SNAP
SNAP is the cornerstone of the nutrition safety net, providing over 46 million low-income participants with monthly benefits via a grocery debit card. SNAP has proven to be one of the most responsive, efficient safety net programs. The program expands quickly to meet rising need, as demonstrated in the recent recession, and provides an efficient benefit transfer that results in $1.79 in local economic activity for each additional $1 in benefits expended.  76% of SNAP households contain a child, senior, or disabled member, and 84% of all benefits go to these households. With one in six Americans struggling to put food on the table, nutrition assistance programs are more important than ever.