U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts held two roundtables discussions Monday on the SNAP Next Step Program and spoke about his plans to offer something similar for other states.
On Monday, Ricketts made stops in Grand Island and Omaha to speak with local stake holders. There he announced his plans to introduce the SNAP Next Step Act in the U.S. Senate.
The SNAP Next Step Program has helped participants since 2016 in receiving education, job training to find better jobs and wages.
All the while, assisting participants in the transition from receiving benefits to earning enough to no longer needing them. The program is voluntary.
According to Ricketts 60% of those families who received higher wages no longer needed the program, and 40% of families reduced their need for SNAP benefits.
“Better jobs and higher pay mean these workers can spend more time with family and be less dependent on government assistance. It’s a win for workers, their families, employers, and taxpayers. This program worked in Nebraska and will help workers across America take the next step in their lives. I know Nebraska can and should be a model for the nation, and SNAP Next Step is just one of the many ideas I’m hoping to bring to Washington” said Ricketts.
