House Ag Subcommittee Chair Marcia Fudge of Ohio has introduced the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The measure would allow states to extend administrative flexibilities for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says his group backs the measure. He says the pandemic is increasing the need of those needing SNAP benefits.

He says the bill makes sense in that it gives states more control over those benefits.

Wertish says by extending and streamlining SNAP benefits for those who need it, it also ends up benefitting farmers in the long run.

The legislation would allow states to extend SNAP certification periods, adjust periodic reporting and interview requirements through June 30, 2021, without having to gain USDA approval.