House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has addressed a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, raising concerns about the management of the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Thompson argues that mismanagement is negatively affecting families in need and leading to waste of taxpayer money.
Thompson criticized what he described as dismissive attitudes toward significant financial errors. He stated, “Brushing off $450 million in misspent federal funds as nothing more than ‘minor paperwork errors’ is not only absurd but also dangerously out of touch with reality. Such excuses reveal a blatant disregard for responsible governance and a troubling indifference to safeguarding a program that millions of vulnerable families rely on, simply because Washington has been footing the bill.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, a history of weak leadership and poor decision making in Pennsylvania has resulted in severe state mismanagement of SNAP, creating a disservice to taxpayers and struggling beneficiaries.”
The letter referenced data from June 2024, when there were 292,000 open jobs in Pennsylvania. At that time, the state’s unemployment rate was 3.4%, which was below the national average of 4.1%. Despite this, Thompson said the Department of Human Services requested waivers for SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents across most counties. According to Thompson’s letter: “The Department intentionally grouped counties in ways to secure approval from the Biden Administration, despite the areas having relatively low unemployment. This decision denied Pennsylvanians the opportunity to work, participate in job training, or pursue volunteer opportunities. Today, it is estimated that 170,000 able-bodied adults without dependents have been waived from work requirements.”
Thompson also pointed out that in 2022 the Department raised income eligibility limits for SNAP to 200 percent of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. This move extended benefits to over 420,000 additional residents. He noted that increasing caseloads can have effects on those most at risk: “In 2024, Pennsylvania paid more than $450 million in SNAP benefits incorrectly, a combination of both overpayments and underpayments.”
“If your administration cannot make improvements in program administration that have been possible in the past, I suggest that you re-examine budget priorities and further invest in SNAP. Congress can no longer turn a blind eye to states diverting taxpayer funding from vulnerable families, and you have an opportunity to be a part of this solution,” Thompson concluded.
The full text of Chairman Thompson’s letter is available online.
