Speaker Grassley on SNAP benefits: 'entitlement programs' putting a strain on IA's budget

DES MOINES, Iowa — A new bill would tighten restrictions for Iowans on SNAP and would make it harder to qualify.

Speaker Pat Grassley commented on House File 3 Thursday, calling food assistance an entitlement.

Everyone wants to make this new ESA program look like the true threat to public education," Speaker Grassley said. "If you look at the cost, if you want to look at a true budget impact on what things really are challenging in the budget for public education or private education, whatever it would be, it's these entitlement programs. They're the ones that are growing within the budget and are putting pressure on us being able to fund other priorities."

However, SNAP benefits are fully funded by the federal government, and the state only covers half of the administrative costs.

According to the USDA, Iowa paid a little over $22 million in 2020.

Speaker Grassley says conversations are ongoing and the House committee will be going over these bills, which may change.

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You can read Iowa Democrats response to the proposed SNAP restrictions here.