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Frosh Sues to Stop Trump Rule Cutting Back on Food Stamps

Maryland on Thursday joined a multi-state lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from eliminating food assistance for nearly 700,000 Americans.

The lawsuit challenges a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that would limit states’ ability to extend benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as “food stamps,” beyond a three-month period for certain adults.

[Meet the Food Stamp Firms of Maryland]

The coalition of attorneys general asserts that the rule directly undermines Congress’ intent for SNAP, and that the USDA violated the federal rulemaking process. They also argue that the rule would harm states’ residents and their economies.

The AG’s are urging the court to declare the rule unlawful and issue an injunction to prevent it from taking effect on April 1.

“SNAP is the country’s most important anti-hunger program; it lifts people out of poverty and food insecurity,” Frosh said in a statement. “This rule will cause Marylanders to go hungry. It is unnecessary and heartless.”

SNAP provides access to nutrition for millions of Americans with limited incomes. The federal government pays the full cost of SNAP benefits, but shares the costs of administering the program with the states, which operate the program.

The new federal rule limits the states’ ability to extend benefits to food stamp recipients.

The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Joining Maryland in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, along with New York City.

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Frosh Sues to Stop Trump Rule Cutting Back on Food Stamps