HB 1905 -- SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD STAMP ASSISTANCE

SPONSOR:  Jetton

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Senior
Citizen Advocacy by a vote of 11 to 0.

This bill authorizes the Family Support Division within the
Department of Social Services to assist elderly individuals who
qualify for the federal Food Stamp Program in obtaining
supplemental food stamps.  Subject to appropriation, households
comprised of one or two elderly individuals who are at least 65
years of age will be entitled to receive supplemental assistance.

Qualified households consisting of one eligible elderly
individual will receive supplemental assistance; however, the
benefit combined with aid the individual receives under the
federal program cannot exceed $30 per month.  Qualified
households of two eligible elderly individuals cannot receive
combined assistance exceeding $60 per month.

The provisions of the bill will expire August 28, 2008.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of
$2,969,942 in FY 2007, $3,071,668 in FY 2008, and $513,038 in
FY 2009.  Subject to appropriation.  No impact on Other State
Funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that many seniors are currently
receiving only minimum benefits under the federal Food Stamp
Program.  Seniors represent the fastest growing segment of
Missouri's population and sometimes have to choose between paying
for health care or paying for food.  The bill will assist the
most vulnerable members of Missouri by providing basic
nutritional needs.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Jetton; Erma
Cunningham; Silver Haired Legislature; AARP; Missouri Alliance of
Area Agencies on Aging; Missouri Grocers Association; Missouri
Retailers Association; Missouri Association for Community Action,
Incorporated; and Marilyn DeFeo.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alex Curchin, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:45 am