Why take food from mouths of children? House bill distasteful

There have been a number of bad and questionable bills passing swiftly through the Kentucky Legislative session due to the Super Majority Republican legislators, but none so distasteful as HB 367.

This bill will literally take food from the most needy children and families in our state who use federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. HB 367 will take food assistance from more than 25,000 Kentucky households. Most of these families have working adults, but their wages simply won’t cover rent, utilities and food.

The SNAP program is 100% funded by the federal government. Our Legislature is passing laws to decrease eligibility for federal programs for which our citizens qualify. Turning down federal funding! The SNAP benefits are used by families to purchase food from the local supermarkets and stores. In essence, this will mean less money spent in local markets. SNAP funds also benefit local farmers and school lunch programs. This cruel legislation will not save the state one penny. Instead it will cause more families to go without adequate food.

HB 367 is mean-spirited and not supported by the vast majority of Kentucky citizens. Our legislators need to step away from their positions of privilege and arrogance and think about the needs of their constituents. HB 367 will worsen hunger and poverty and hurt local economies in our community.

I urge you to call your representative and senator and demand that they vote NO to HB 367. The Legislative Hotline is 800-372-7181,

Finally, learn about the candidates for state and local offices. VOTE! Vote for the candidates that match your values.

Cathy Severns

Bowling Green