The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps, has been squeezed in early November. By virtue of this move, the federal budget will economize about $5 billion. Poor Americans who receive the benefits say the program strip will leave them starving.
Currently, the food benefits cost the government $80 billion a year. Now, when SNAP is reduced, the U.S. government will save around $5 million. However, vulnerable populations will be badly affected. For instance, a family of four will get $36 less a months, a family of three will find $29 missing.
Barack Obama has chosen the opportune time to cut the benefits – hardly any politician would dare to do this ahead of the elections. Serving his 6 year as the President, Obama may slash the food stamps showing he is ready to not only spend, but also economize. At the same time, Obama is attempting to pass a more important but costly health care reform designed to help poor people and retirees. Thus, the reduction in food stamps may be a bargaining chip in a dispute with the lawmakers.
