This bill is sponsored by Representative James Arena-DeRosa and Senator Michael Moore
Starting in 2020, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) caseload increased significantly in Massachusetts. By design, SNAP grows when the need grows and shrinks as the economy and employment improve. Unfortunately, the same is not true for the hardworking staff and IT resources needed by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to manage increased applicants applying for the program. DTA now lacks the staff and infrastructure to keep up with demand, including ensuring applicants complete the phone interview required before benefits are issued. Roughly half of recent SNAP applications are denied for lack of an interview or paperwork challenges.
Each month this goes unresolved, thousands of low-income residents face unnecessary barriers trying to enroll or renew SNAP benefits.
This bill would require the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to identify and report to Massachusetts Legislature the staffing and IT resources that DTA needs to improve customer service and maximize federal SNAP participation. By doing so the Healey Administration and the Legislature can work to resolve the state level barriers to accessing nutrition benefits.