Urgent action needed on SNAP & LEEP bills!

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We’re in the thick of legislative session! Bills are popping up left and right – some good, others bad. Your action is needed NOW.

Let’s start with the bad.

First up, SB 60 and HB 2132.

SB 60 would limit access to SNAP (aka food stamps) benefits via a “one size fits all” approach to waivers and work requirements. It would add layers of bureaucracy to the Department of Health and Human Resources, thereby costing the state more money in administrative costs. Creating barriers to SNAP in the manner this bill does jeopardizes food security for kids, families, and low-income workers across the state. That is simply not right.

HB 2132 would limit access to SNAP benefits for able-bodied adults to a strict 3 months within a 36 month period.

Both of these bills are inconsistent with WV values. Phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings have slowed its progress, but we need you help TODAY to kill it. TODAY SB 60 is the first item on the agenda in the Senate’s Heath and Human Resources Committee meeting scheduled for 1 pm.

Call Senate and House Health and Human Resources Committees NOW! For talking points, see the WV Food and Farm Coalition’s action alert.

Now, for the good…SB 480.

SB 480, the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP) Act has been introduced in the Senate and referenced to the Senate Government Organizations Committee. Email committee members NOW to ask them to support this bill!

Energy efficiency is good for our economy by creating jobs, improving our buildings, and making it easier for our businesses and families to stay in West Virginia. Energy efficiency jobs pay for themselves through utility savings.

The LEEP Act is the top legislative priority for energy efficiency in the state. LEEP is a funding mechanism that empowers commercial building owners to make their buildings more efficient and pay for the upgrades on their tax ticket. The upgrades are funded by privately held bonds that are backed by the energy savings, so no county or state revenue is involved.