(Plain Press August 2024) In just one year, more than 1 in 4 Ohioans will be 60 and older. Of this group, 110,000 households receive less than $50 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan (SNAP) benefits. We are writing to express our support for House Bill 428, which aims to leverage state funds to increase the minimum SNAP benefits for older adults to $50 per month.

     During the pandemic, emergency monthly SNAP stipends were raised to $281 per month. In spring 2023, approximately 70,000 households were reduced to the minimum benefit of $23 per month, which falls short in providing adequate nutritional support, especially amidst record food price inflation.

     “Passing HB 428 will ensure eligible Ohioans aged 60 years or older will receive at least $50 per month in SNAP benefits to assist in buying food basics like bread or milk,” said Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE) member Diane Howard.

     Ohio lawmakers have an opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the health and well-being of older Ohioans with House Bill 428. Food is essential. A study from Maryland has even concluded that SNAP directly contributes to a reduced likelihood of nursing home and hospital admissions. We are all aging — and we all deserve the right to grow, age and live independently and safely in our beloved State of Ohio.

     Please call or email these local legislators to support House Bill 428: State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), Phone: (614) 466-5786, Rep24@ohiohouse.gov; State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus), Phone: (614) 466-8010. Rep02@ohiohouse.gov; State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo), Phone: (614) 644-6017, Rep43@ohiohouse.gov; State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina); Phone: (614) 466-3506, Rep91@ohiohouse.gov; Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill), Phone: (614) 466-1366, Rep93@ohiohouse.gov; and State Rep. Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood), Phone: (614) 466-5921, Rep13@ohiohouse.gov.