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Mississippi Faces Potential $75 Million SNAP Cost as Federal Requirements Shift

Mississippi Faces Potential $75 Million SNAP Cost as Federal Requirements Shift

Mississippi could incur an estimated $75 million annually in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit costs under new federal requirements, effective fiscal year 2028. This comes as food pantries across the state report a significant increase in demand for assistance, with the Mississippi Food Network noting a 36% rise in visits from the previous year. Starting October 1, states will be responsible for 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from 50%. Additionally, states may have to contribute directly to SNAP benefit costs based on their payment error rates. Mississippi's fiscal year 2025 payment error rate was 9.51%, which, if maintained, would place the state in the 10% cost-share tier, leading to the $75 million annual cost. Governor Tate Reeves has stated that reducing Mississippi's error rate below 8% is a priority, which would lower the state's annual cost to an estimated $40 million.

Mississippi Faces Potential $75 Million SNAP Cost Due to Federal Rule Changes and Error Rates

Mississippi Faces Potential $75 Million SNAP Cost Due to Federal Rule Changes and Error Rates

Mississippi is facing a potential annual cost of $75 million for its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to new federal requirements and the state's payment error rate. Starting October 1, states will be responsible for 75% of SNAP administrative costs, an increase from the previous 50%. Furthermore, beginning in fiscal year 2028, states may be required to contribute directly to SNAP benefit costs based on their payment error rates. Mississippi's payment error rate for fiscal year 2025 was 9.51%, which, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, would place the state in the 10% cost-share tier, equating to approximately $75 million annually. Governor Tate Reeves has stated that reducing this error rate is a priority, aiming to get it below 8% to lower the state's share to 5%, which would cost an estimated $40 million annually. The USDA defines payment error rates as a measure of accuracy in determining eligibility and benefit amounts, including overpayments and under...

An appeals court is considering a push to restrict most common abortion method

An appeals court is considering a push to restrict most common abortion method

A panel of federal judges is considering Louisiana's assertion that mifepristone, a key drug in the most common abortion method in the U.S., should not be dispensed anywhere but a medical facility

Senate Majority Leader John Thune Addresses Farm Bill Updates and Midterm Outlook

Senate Majority Leader John Thune Addresses Farm Bill Updates and Midterm Outlook

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) recently provided updates on the ongoing efforts to finalize the farm bill, with the September 30 deadline approaching. Thune indicated that the Senate Agriculture Committee is still working on a new proposal following a party-line tie vote. A significant sticking point remains the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provisions, which Thune hopes to resolve in cooperation with the House. He emphasized the importance of crop insurance and the E15 ethanol blend for corn growers, highlighting the need for certainty and predictability for farmers. Additionally, Thune commented on the broader political landscape, including the upcoming midterm elections, the conflict with Iran, and the escalating trade dispute with Canada.

Trump's $5,000 dividend plan draws some Republican skepticism

Trump's $5,000 dividend plan draws some Republican skepticism

By Jacob Bogage WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's promise to send U.S. adults $5,000 "dividend" checks if his party keeps control of Congress in November's midterm elections drew a cool reception from some Republicans on Thursday, with several lawmakers saying it would spike

OECD Launches Economic Survey of the U.S. at Brookings Institution, Highlighting Fiscal Pressures

OECD Launches Economic Survey of the U.S. at Brookings Institution, Highlighting Fiscal Pressures

OECD Launches Economic Survey of the U.S. at Brookings Institution, Highlighting Fiscal Pressures

House Speaker Mike Johnson Highlights 'Booming' American Manufacturing and Job Growth Under Republican Policies

House Speaker Mike Johnson Highlights 'Booming' American Manufacturing and Job Growth Under Republican Policies

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recently asserted that American manufacturing is experiencing a significant boom, attributing this resurgence to Republican policies. In a post on X, Johnson stated that American workers are 'WINNING again,' citing various economic improvements. These include tax breaks, the creation of one million private-sector jobs, and 'TRILLIONS in investment coming into America,' which he described as a 'MADE IN AMERICA comeback.' He also highlighted 'Bigger paychecks' and 'No Tax on Tips or Overtime' as benefits for hardworking Americans. This statement comes as U.S. manufacturing activity reportedly expanded for the eighth consecutive month in August, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI at 54.6%. The National Association of Manufacturers reported that manufacturing contributed $3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy in the first quarter of 2026 and employed nearly 12.6 million workers.

Senator Hyde-Smith Highlights USDA's $20 Million Wild-Caught Shrimp Purchase for Food Programs

Senator Hyde-Smith Highlights USDA's $20 Million Wild-Caught Shrimp Purchase for Food Programs

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has drawn attention to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to acquire up to $20 million in surplus wild-caught shrimp products. These products are slated for distribution to schools and food banks across the nation. The purchase is being executed through the Section 32 Program, a standing initiative that enables the USDA to buy excess U.S. agricultural commodities for domestic food and nutrition assistance programs. This specific acquisition of wild-caught shrimp was announced in late August as part of a larger $156 million Section 32 purchase of domestic agricultural goods. Senator Hyde-Smith has consistently advocated for Section 32 purchases of Mississippi commodities, including a recent successful push for the USDA to purchase $20 million worth of farm-raised catfish in July.

Pills are keeping abortion accessible even where it's banned. A court is considering restrictions

Pills are keeping abortion accessible even where it's banned. A court is considering restrictions

Louisiana is making its case in federal court that mifepristone, a key drug in the most common abortion method in the U.S., should not be prescribed by telehealth or dispensed anywhere but a medical facility

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Prioritizes Reducing SNAP Payment Error Rate to Avoid $75 Million Annual Cost

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Prioritizes Reducing SNAP Payment Error Rate to Avoid $75 Million Annual Cost

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves is focused on reducing the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate to below 8% by the end of September. This initiative is critical because new federal requirements, effective October 1, will increase states' responsibility for SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 75%. Furthermore, starting in fiscal year 2028, states may be required to contribute directly to SNAP benefit costs based on their payment error rates. Mississippi's error rate was 9.51% in fiscal year 2025, down from 10.69% the previous year, but still above the 8% threshold that would reduce its potential annual cost from an estimated $75 million to $40 million. Governor Reeves emphasized that workforce development is also a key part of efforts to decrease reliance on federal assistance, stating his belief that individuals with necessary skills and job opportunities paying $60,000 or more annually can largely become self-sufficient. The USDA defines payment error rates as a m...

House Speaker Mike Johnson Touts Booming U.S. Manufacturing and Job Growth Under GOP Policies

House Speaker Mike Johnson Touts Booming U.S. Manufacturing and Job Growth Under GOP Policies

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has asserted that American manufacturing is experiencing a boom and that U.S. workers are "WINNING again" due to Republican policies. In a post on X, Johnson credited GOP initiatives for improving economic opportunities, leading to "Bigger paychecks" and "No Tax on Tips or Overtime." He highlighted the addition of "ONE MILLION private-sector jobs" and "TRILLIONS in investment coming into America," describing this trend as a "MADE IN AMERICA comeback." Johnson's remarks align with recent economic data, which shows U.S. manufacturing activity expanding for the eighth consecutive month in August, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI at 54.6%. The National Association of Manufacturers reported that manufacturing contributed $3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy in the first quarter of 2026 and employed nearly 12.6 million workers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also supported this view, attributing a manufacturing revival to President Trump’s "America First" policies, which he...

President Trump Expresses Frustration Over Inflation Concerns Despite Positive Jobs Report

President Trump Expresses Frustration Over Inflation Concerns Despite Positive Jobs Report

President Trump voiced strong frustration regarding inflation and interest rates, despite a surprisingly positive August jobs report showing 162,000 new jobs. Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump criticized financial markets, the Federal Reserve, and U.S. trade partners. He rejected the economic concept that a strong jobs report could contribute to inflationary pressures, stating, 'Success does not cause inflation. Stupidity causes inflation.' President Trump also declared it 'crazy' that stock markets fell due to inflation concerns. This reaction comes as his administration has spent the past week attempting to bolster public confidence in the economy. The President has consistently promised an economic boom, but his second term has been marked by a drop-off in hiring and higher prices, challenging his pledge for historic growth. The economy has grown at approximately 2% annually, which is slower than the growth observed during the Biden administration.