Alabama House Passes SNAP Reform Bill

0:00Alabama's house just pushed forward a bill to stop snap benefits from buying junk, like candy, sugary sodas, and certain energy drinks. It's called SB57, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr, and carried in the house by rep-read Ingram. The idea is to get the Department of Human Resources to ask the USDA for a waiver, making those items off limits for food stamps. This move aims to steer taxpayer money toward healthier choices and better health for folks on assistance. Ingram pointed out that about 64 percent of snap users buy soft drinks, and he warned that without action, Alabama could lose 20 percent of its snap funding. Twenty-two other states have already made similar changes. Democrats like Reps Thomas Jackson and Juwandolin Jivan fought hard against it, calling it oppressive and unhelpful for low-income families. They argue that $184 a month isn't much, and banning treats can make life tougher, especially for kids feeling hungry. The bill passed 75 to 27 after some tweaks to include non-tier coffee energy drinks.

1:05It heads to committee on the last day of session, and Ingram's not sure if the Senate will go along with every change. Ingram called it a solid compromise to show Alabama serious about snap reform and getting people healthy, even if it's not everything he wanted like. Cutting all sodas or diet versions, this could be a step toward matching those other states before funding slips away. That's your update from Birmingham News Today, powered by AI.