US states sue Trump administration over drastic cuts to food stamp program

A coalition of 13 states, New York City and Washington DC are suing the Trump administration over new restrictions for food stamp benefits for unemployed Americans – a measure they say could disqualify nearly 700,000 from federal food assistance.

The new rule, introduced in December, would eliminate states’ discretion to waive work requirements in distressed economic areas, saving the federal government $5.5bn in spending over five years.

The lawsuit is the latest pushback by Democratic states against the Trump administration, as opponents criticize the president for what they say are proposed changes that target the poor, unemployed and those in large metropolitan areas.

They argue the administration adopted the cuts despite no evidence of a need, or any research on current labor market conditions – potentially affecting 688,000 to 850,000 adults without children.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/17/food-stamps-cuts-trump-us-states-sue