SENATORS SNOWE AND COLLINS URGE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO APPROVE TEMPORARY INCREASE IN FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture urging Secretary Mike Johanns to grant the State of Maine's request for a temporary increase in the Food Stamp Program. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is seeking the one-time increase in the "standard utility allowance" in order to offer additional assistance to low-income households struggling to cope with higher than normal fuel costs this winter.

Following is the text of the Senators' letter to Secretary Johanns:

Dear Mr. Secretary:

The disruption in energy supply caused by the hurricanes is expected to cause a significant spike in fuel bills this winter. Low-income households are likely to face monthly fuel bills that are hundreds of dollars higher than they were last year, undermining their ability to purchase food. Fortunately, the Food Stamp Program offers states the flexibility, with USDA approval, to adjust program rules to reflect higher heating costs, and thereby help vulnerable households that face high utility bills purchase sufficient food.

We are writing to urge your immediate approval of the Maine Health and Human Services Department's request to update the Food Stamp Program "standard utility allowance" (SUA) to more adequately respond to the dramatically higher home heating costs that are expected this winter. Low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and others likely will struggle to heat their homes, purchase necessary prescription drugs, and pay for groceries.

According to the Energy Department's Short-Term Energy Outlook, energy prices are expected to spike this winter, with natural gas prices projected to be 40 to 50 percent higher than last winter and heating oil projected to be 30 percent higher. Utility increases of this magnitude will have serious implications for low-income households' ability to purchase an adequate diet. Many households will face heating bills that are several hundred dollars higher than they were last winter. Maine asked USDA for approval to raise the SUAs to reflect this winter's projected spike in home heating costs. The state has not yet received an answer. Within the week, the average lows in Maine are expected to dip into the 20s, so your agency's prompt approval of our state's request is critical. Moreover, if your answer is delayed much longer, Maine will not be able to make this change in time to increase household's January benefits.

The dramatic surge in home heating prices warrants a one-time departure from normal SUA adjustment policy. Our state administrator has requested such an adjustment. We respectfully request that you approve these requests immediately so that states can make the necessary changes to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

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