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food stamp fraud

New Report Calls for Trump Administration to Close Food Stamp Loopholes

Naples, FL – A new report released by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) details how ending broad based categorical eligibility (BBCE) can preserve food stamp resources for the truly needy and save billions in taxpayer dollars.

Today, more than five million individuals receiving food stamps do not meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Under regulations adopted by the Clinton and Obama administrations, states have expanded food stamp eligibility beyond the program’s original scope, waiving asset tests by making individuals “categorically eligible” for welfare programs. This abuse has allowed even millionaires and lottery winners to siphon resources away from the truly needy.

According to the report, 40 states are currently abusing BBCE loopholes. However, the Trump administration has the authority to roll them back at any time.

“Broad based categorical eligibility may have started as a tool to cut down on administrative costs, but states’ abuse of this loophole has put resources for the truly needy at great risk,” said Jonathan Ingram, vice president of research at FGA and co-author of the report. “Loopholes and fraud have pushed the food stamp program beyond its original intent, and now the Trump administration has the opportunity to end the abuse, restoring food stamp integrity and saving billions of taxpayer dollars.”

The full report can be found here.

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The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non–profit, multi–state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.

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