Remember new SNAP asset test next time you vote

Few things are more important to Iowans than food, shelter, and access to health care. That is why I am so perplexed that the Iowa Legislature put added requirements on access to these resources by low-income families. (The Gazette, July 1, “New Laws Taking Effect.”) Iowans who receive SNAP food benefits, are on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program already meet family income requirements. With the new law, they will now have to regularly file paperwork on their other assets as well. This puts an extra burden on and causes anxiety for families who are already struggling. In addition, it expands the state bureaucracy and costs to taxpayers.

As a consequence of the law, families who own farm equipment or have saved anything more than 10 thousand dollars for a down payment on a house, retirement or for emergencies might lose sources of food and health care. At least eight thousand Iowans are likely to lose benefits because of this law, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. Iowa should reward, not punish, people who are trying to make a better life for themselves and their children.

Why would the Iowa Legislature enact such a law? The asset test law was passed on party lines, as have similar laws in other states. That shows that the law imposing new requirements on Iowans is a political action, and not a solution to a problem. Learn how your senator and representative voted and remember this the next time you vote!

Suzette Astley

Mount Vernon