United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) faces legal challenge as Michigan becomes the latest state to file a lawsuit, seeking access to information regarding SNAP food stamp recipients' records in collaboration with more than 20 other states.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing a legal challenge from 22 states, including Michigan, over a pending rule that seeks extensive access to the personal records of food stamp recipients. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the USDA's actions threaten the privacy of millions of families and ignore long-standing restrictions on the use and redisclosure of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data.
At the heart of the dispute is the USDA's request for personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other records about SNAP applicants and recipients. The federal government has never previously asked for such detailed records on SNAP recipients, according to the lawsuit.
Michigan, which directs about $254 million in SNAP benefits a month through the Michigan Bridge Card network, is among the states taking issue with the USDA's actions. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office stated that the USDA's actions are unprecedented, threaten the privacy of millions of families, and ignore long-standing restrictions on the use and redisclosure of SNAP data.
While the SNAP program is federally funded, it has long been administered by the states, and the records of recipients are generally handled at that level. Quality control checks normally ask for sample data, and both inspections and audits would seek a limited range of information specifically allowed by law.
The USDA is seeking information "sufficient to calculate the total dollar value" of SNAP benefits that participants received on and after Jan. 1, 2020. In May, the USDA issued a notice that it will require states and territories to share records of SNAP benefits and allotments with the federal government.
The USA is seeking this data as part of an effort to ensure that the SNAP program is preserved for only those eligible. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the department is focused on ensuring SNAP is preserved for only those eligible and that the request for data is one of many steps to ensure this.
Eligible recipients can use their individual or household allocations via the electronic benefits card toward purchasing food at most supermarkets and other participating retailers. Fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products can be purchased with SNAP benefits, while paper products and cleaning supplies are among the ineligible grocery items for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Paula Wethington, a digital producer at CBS Detroit, reported on the lawsuit. Wethington has previously held roles at NEWSnet, Gannett/USA Today network, and The Monroe News in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.
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