If you live in Missouri and receive food stamps, Republican state Rep. Rick Brattin doesn’t think you should be allowed to purchase steak and lobster, amongst other items. True story.
In February, Brattin proposed bill HB 813 to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their food stamps to buy “cookies, chips, energy drinks, soft drinks, seafood, or steak.” This includes foods that do not provide adequate nutrition or is usually unaffordable for other working-class people.
The Washington Post first broke the story of the controversial bill, where Brattin admitted the language may need some tweaking.
“My intention wasn’t to get rid of canned tuna and fish sticks,” he said, “I have seen people purchasing filet mignons and crab legs with their EBT cards. When I can’t afford it on my pay, I don’t want people on the taxpayer’s dime to afford those kinds of foods either.”
The bill does not have any co-sponsors. A hearing has not been scheduled nor are there any plans to take it up before the Missouri House of Representatives.
Vixens, what are your thoughts? Should SNAP recipients be able to purchase whatever they want? Or should there be restrictions? Should lawmakers be able to restrict someone’s else diet?
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