Blair: New SNAP Cut Hits Georgia Families as 5 Million Americans Have Already Lost Food Assistance

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Everton Blair (GA-13) warned today that the latest SNAP cut in H.R. 1, the Republican Reconciliation Law, is now in effect, and announced that his office will help constituents across the 13th District keep the food assistance they are eligible for.

As of October 1, Washington pays half of what it used to toward the cost of running SNAP, leaving states to cover 75% of administrative costs. Nationwide, that is more than $16 billion in lost funding. For Georgia, it means an estimated $43.7 million hole this year and up to $58.3 million every year after.

"When Washington cuts the people who process SNAP applications and then piles new paperwork on families, the result is predictable: longer waits, more mistakes, and eligible people losing food they qualify for," said Congressman Blair. "This is about a mother in Clayton County waiting weeks for a renewal, a senior in Rockdale who can't get anyone on the phone, a veteran in Henry County who loses benefits over a missed form. Georgia had to put up more than $46 million of its own money just to keep the lights on, and that is a patch, not a plan. Families in our district should not go hungry to pay for tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthiest Americans. I will keep fighting to reverse these cuts. In the meantime, if you have lost benefits, received a notice you don't understand, or aren't sure what the new rules mean for you, call my office. We will help you."

State lawmakers temporarily filled the gap with $46.4 million in FY 2027, plus $18.2 million for error-rate reduction. But relying on state funds to backstop federal cuts is not sustainable, and it puts schools, public safety, and other state and local services at risk. A second cost shift, forcing states to pay a share of SNAP benefits themselves, begins as soon as October 1, 2027.

According to USDA data, more than 5 million Americans, including about 2 million children, have lost SNAP since H.R. 1 was enacted in July 2025. More than 150,000 of them are Georgians.

H.R. 1 also expanded SNAP work requirements. Many adults up to age 64, parents of teenagers 14 and older, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults leaving foster care must now document 80 hours a month of work, training, or volunteering to keep their benefits. Congressman Blair's office can help constituents:

Residents should watch their mail and their Georgia Gateway account for notices and respond by the deadline. For help, contact the district office at (770)-210-5073 or visit the website.