Tell Congress: Delay the SNAP Cost Shift

We have a narrow window to act. 

In the big budget bill, Congressional leaders pushed through a change to SNAP that will force states to pick up part of the tab for the federal government. This could cost Vermont between $7 million and $22 million every year. 

This cost penalty to states, tied to their “payment error rate” will begin in October 2027. But some states were given two extra years to prepare for this change. Vermont was not one of those states. 

This unequal treatment abandons a long-standing state-federal partnership and exposes Vermont to volatile new costs—without giving our state time to strengthen our systems to ensure we avoid this penalty. 

What we need Congress to do NOW:

Right now, Congress is working on a must-pass funding bill to keep the government open. This bill is the best, and possibly only, opportunity to include a two-year delay before the cost shift takes effect.

A two-year delay of this SNAP cost shift to states would give all states, not just a few, time to make improvements that will protect food access and our state budget. 

A two-year delay protects families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, low-wage workers, Vermont’s economy, businesses, and farmers.

Will you join us to send a Vermont strong message to our Congressional Delegation? 

Add your name to urge Vermont’s Congressional Delegation to push hard for this two-year cost shift delay in the must-pass funding package at the end of January. 

Vermont’s Delegation has long supported SNAP, but they need to hear from you to show how much this matters to people across our state.

Individuals AND organizations can sign on. Please sign the letter TODAY and share this action with your friends.