Transition to SNAP would mean more food assistance for Puerto Rico
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón introduced federal legislation Monday to support the Puerto Rico government in a transition from the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN by its Spanish acronym) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), giving more island residents access to food assistance.
The measure, titled the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021 (HR 5220), would authorize the U.S. agriculture secretary to appoint a task force that includes both federal and state personnel from family agencies to outline a performance plan to operate SNAP successfully.
“This is the third most important bill we have filed to fight against poverty,” González Colón said, noting during a press conference that the legislation she co-authored with Reps. James McGovern (D-Mass.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) joins other bills filed in Congress that seek to extend Medicaid benefits for five more years and include Puerto Rico residents in Supplemental Security Income benefits.
The resident commissioner said if the bill is signed by President Joe Biden, it will allow the island to receive $3.7 billion for food assistance.
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