TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is advancing to the Senate for further consideration. Tampa Bay Democratic Representative Kathy Castor voiced her opposition to certain components of the bill on Tuesday, focusing particularly on the reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
The legislation mandates that applicants must be employed, pursuing job training, or enrolled in educational programs, among other criteria. However, there are specific exemptions included. Some Democrats describe these adjustments as “bureaucratic barriers” and express concern about potential restrictions on access to nutritious foods.
At the Macdill Fresh Farmers Market, manager Dem Cannon said fresh, is always best.
“It tastes real, fresh, and real,” Cannon said.
Her products and prices keep regular customers coming back.
“Much better, bigger, they taste a lot better and they’re much cheaper,” said Jake Hampton, a customer.
But Cannon said she knows these foods aren’t always available to everyone.
“Some individuals are unfamiliar with fresh produce,” Cannon commented. “They might not even recognize it. I once had a woman admit to me that she had no idea what a jalapeno looked like,” he explained.
Consider those who, even at low prices, can’t afford fresh produce without some type of government assistance.
“Well, I won’t be able to get healthy foods like I am right now. I do have health issues. And the SNAP program helps provide all of that for me. I don’t want to be on it but it’s a necessity for me,” said a SNAP recipient who spoke alongside Representative Kathy Castor Tuesday.
Castor said at a time when cost of living and groceries are high, she accuses the Republican bill of giving tax cuts to the wealthy that are paid for by taking millions from SNAP.
“We need in this country to make sure that all of our neighbors are healthy and well,” Castor said.
Republicans said they are not cutting SNAP but are targeting waste, fraud, and abuse. They said the bill would require states to contribute more toward the program and have limits on waiver to work requirements.
In an interview with The Hill, Florida Senator Rick Scott said he supports the deal but put the needs of the federal deficit back in sight.
“I want to get a deal done; I support the president’s agenda. I support the border, I support the military, I support extending the Trump tax cuts — but we have to live in reality. But we got to live in reality here: We got a fiscal crisis,” Scott said.
At the market, Cannon didn’t get into the policies. Cannon just said everyone should have access to fresh food.
“It is important,” Cannon said.
Castor said SNAP helps farmers and those supplying markets as well.
Republicans argue states will better administer food stamps if they have to pay more of the cost. As the bill goes to the senate, lawmakers said they will be making changes.
