Nebraska is the only state who won’t extend emergency food benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extra money for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, comes from a federal coronavirus relief bill. Under the expanded program, all recipients can receive the maximum allowable amount.
Governor Pete Ricketts says 40-percent of the people on the benefit will continue to receive them since it’s based on income level.
“We are taking advantage of other federal programs. The system works well, we already have a good system in place in SNAP benefits,” he said at a Wednesday press conference.
Twenty state senators led by John McCollister of Omaha have written a letter to Ricketts asking him to extend the benefits.
Ricketts says other programs can help bridge the gap.
“There are a variety of other programs being extended.”
He referenced WIC, Women Infants and Children programs, and food banks as a solution.