In Rochester: Gillibrand Raises Alarm On Trump Administration Slashing Federal Funding For SNAP And Threatening New Yorkers’ Benefits

New York State Will Be Responsible for Estimated $168 Million More Annually as SNAP Cost Responsibilities Shift to State and Local Governments Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference calling out the change in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” that will imminently shift billions of dollars in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cost responsibilities from the federal government onto state and local governments, resulting in major financial burdens on New York State. This comes as President Trump’s reckless war in Iran and chaotic tariffs have raised grocery prices for New York families and made it increasingly difficult to put food on the table. “President Trump has consistently threatened and cut the essential services that serve as the backbone of our nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “At a time when people can barely afford a cart of groceries or a tank of gas, this president is making states and localities bear excruciating cost burdens for SNAP programming while he is funding tax cuts for the richest people in the country and pouring billions into a war overseas.” “No one should confuse the federal shift in SNAP funding with a reduction in our local commitment to people who rely on SNAP. Monroe County will continue to ensure eligible residents receive their benefits,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello . “However, every dollar we have to spend covering what used to be a federal responsibility is a dollar we have less available for other critical services and investments here at home. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand for hearing our voice and advocating for local county taxpayers.” “At 1199SEIU, our fight is about more than contracts and wages. It is about dignity, fairness, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and secure life. When children go hungry, seniors struggle to afford food, and working families are pushed deeper into poverty, we have a responsibility to speak out and demand change,” said Tracey Harrison, 1199SEIU Vice President for the Rochester and Corning Area . “That is why we will continue to stand together and advocate for policies that strengthen families and communities, not just the wealthiest among us. Restore the SNAP benefits now! The change, which is slated to take effect on October 1 and is part of a broader slate of harmful cuts to the SNAP program, will reduce the federal share of SNAP administrative expenses from 50% to 25%, with states and localities now responsible for covering 75% costs. Counties in New York State are expected to be on the hook for $168 million annually as a result, with Monroe County being responsible for an additional $3 million to keep SNAP-supported programs running. Nearly 100,000 people in Monroe County rely on SNAP to feed their families each month. Without this additional federal support, counties may be forced to raise local taxes or slow down the review of SNAP applications. Senator Gillibrand has led the fight against hunger in New York and across the nation. Through legislative efforts like the Closing the Meal Gap Act and the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act , she has consistently worked to expand SNAP benefit amounts, remove administrative red tape, and protect low-income families from electronic benefit theft. Her commitment to expanding and protecting SNAP benefits has helped ensure that federal nutrition programs remain a strong and accessible lifeline for millions of Americans. ###