Farm Bill is SNAP protection, but little progress

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When I talk to my clients about SNAP, the most common refrain I hear is, “I only get $15 a month from SNAP. How is anyone supposed to survive on that?” For most recipients, SNAP is intended to be a supplement to other income. But when you’re an elderly couple with a combined income of $1,500 a month, you don’t have a lot of other leftover funds to supplement your $15 of SNAP. Once you’ve covered your rent, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, and other basic needs, every dollar matters. Continue Reading

New goals to help end homelessness

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Our frigid winter weather reminds us all (yet again) that thousands of Minnesotans are homeless or without a safe, stable place to live. While shelters and service providers have stepped in to save lives by offering 24-hour warming space and other expanded help, the ultimate fix lies in larger structural changes. State government isn’t (and can’t be) the only entity engaged in ending homelessness, but its programs and policies play a significant role in the life of every Minnesotans. Continue Reading

MNsure’s good, but can be great

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When people hear that I’m a MNsure Navigator, their first question is usually, “How is the website working?” And my answer is, “Generally, pretty well.” While the publicity has been overwhelmingly negative, the reality isn’t as bad. The newsmaking behind-the-scenes turmoil hasn’t prevented people from being able to enroll in plans. I’ve written before about MNsure’s successes. Here’s my take on what isn’t working so far, at least in my anecdotal experience: Continue Reading

SNAP junk food limits may backfire

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It’s nothing new: the debate about whether SNAP (food stamps) money should be used to purchase junk food. The question is more complicated than it may seem on the surface. Yes, America has an obesity crisis and we’re allowing our tax dollars to buy pop and candy. On the other hand, some see it as overbearing to limit what someone puts in their grocery cart, and recognize the slippery slope for defining “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods. Continue Reading

SNAP cuts coming regardless of Farm Bill

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This fall, hungry Minnesotans may be a little bit hungrier. Changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) will reduce benefits for every single recipient, and will completely eliminate them for some. First, a bit of history: these cuts will be reversing SNAP increases made in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To provide support during the recession, SNAP benefits were given a modest boost and eligibility was expanded. Those increases came with expiration dates, though, and those dates are drawing near. Continue Reading

Rail transit, affordable housing a winning combination

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The combination of affordable housing and accessible transit is tough to find, especially in suburban and rural Minnesota. Families who want to live outside of the city (or are forced to for financial reasons) often lack public transportation to work, school, or other daily needs. I’ve personally seen clients struggle when they move from homelessness to housing when their new home is in a suburban area that’s tough to navigate without a car. The lack of easy transportation to their support network, employment opportunities, and health care leaves some people feeling isolated. Continue Reading

Families struggle far above the poverty line

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Most of us know that life is expensive—but some might be surprised to realize how much. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a family of four (two adults and two children) needs an annual income of $73,526 to “secure a decent yet modest living” in the Twin Cities. The EPI research is a rare opportunity to see how the cost of living stacks up in over 600 different municipal areas nationwide. Here are some of the average monthly expenses in the Twin Cities: Continue Reading