SB 611: Food stamps to non-citizens

By News Update
In: Uncategorized
Monday February 17, 2025


Senate Bill 611 (SB 611) will allow those with any immigration status to qualify for Oregon’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon Senate Bill (SB 611) will create a state program called Food for All Oregonians for those eligible for the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including those who would not qualify for SNAP due to immigration status.

Oregon has been very generous to non-citizen benefits:

• Previously, Oregon spent $29 million for free hotel rooms for non-citizens.  This attracted non-citizens from California which helped over-whelm the program and run out of funding.
• An Oregon housing program offered $30,000 home payments for non-citizens.
• Through Governor Kotek’s Direct Cash Transfer program, non-citizens that are young and homeless, are eligible for $1,000 monthly stipends.

Oregon has traditionally expanded food stamp benefits longer than the average state.   This has made Oregon an attractive place to come and receive free services if you are not working or do not plan to work.

Food stamp users are able to buy most items in the store — junk food, candy, chips, snack food, ice cream, and T-bone steaks regardless of nutritional value.

The Senate Bill (SB 611) Summary reads, “Establishes the Food for All Oregonians Program in the Department of Human Services to provide nutrition assistance to residents of this state who would qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but for their immigration status. Requires the department to implement the program by January 1, 2027, and conduct statewide outreach, education and engagement to maximize enrollment in the program.”

The bill is sponsored by State Senator Wlnsvey Campos (D), Lew Frederick (D), Sara Gelser Blouin​ (D), Jeff Golden (D), Chris Gorsek (D), Mark Meek (D), Deb Patterson​ (D), Khanh Pham (D), Lisa Reynolds (D), Aaron Woods (D), State Representative Ricki Ruiz (D), Tom Andersen (D), Ben Bowman (D), Farrah Chaichi (D), Mark Gamba (D), Dacia Grayber (D), Zach Hudson (D), Shannon Isadore​​ (D), Travis Nelson (D), Rob Nosse (D), and Mark Owens (R).

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