LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — On Jan. 16, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a group of 15 attorneys general and New York City in a lawsuit to prevent the Trump Administration from eliminating food assistance for nearly 700,000 Americans, nearly 46,000 in Nevada.
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), known as “food stamps,” beyond a three-month period for some adults.
Ford and his colleagues assert that the rule directly undermines Congress’ intent for the program, and the USDA violated the federal rule-making process.
They argue that the rule would impose significant regulatory burdens on the states and harm states’ residents and economies. The coalition is urging the Court to declare the rule unlawful and issue an injunction to prevent it from taking effect.
“SNAP has served as our country’s primary response to hunger since 1977, including my own when I was a young, single father and college student,” said AG Ford. “46,000 Nevadans stand to lose their food stamp benefits if this rule moves forward, including nearly 2,000 Nevadans in our rural communities. My office is taking a stand against the Trump Administration’s attempt to cut this important safety-net program proven to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”
