Maryland Hunger Solutions Calls on House to Block Harmful Budget Reconciliation Bill
Media Contact:
Colleen Barton
703-203-7843
cbarton@frac.org
GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 2, 2025 – As families across Maryland prepare for Independence Day celebrations, Maryland Hunger Solutions urges the House of Representatives to reject the recently passed Senate budget bill that imposes unprecedented cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and would strip a critical lifeline to food away from hundreds of thousands of Marylanders.
“From Cumberland to Cambridge, this bill would devastate families already struggling to put meals on the table,” said LaMonika Jones, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions. “We need the House to stand up now and vote ‘No’ on this cruel and senseless bill.”
The legislation passed 51–50 in the Senate with Vice President Vance casting the deciding vote. The bill:
- Slashes billions from SNAP and limits eligibility for working families, veterans, seniors, and immigrants/mixed-status households.
- Shifts funding responsibilities to states starting in 2028, including direct coverage of food benefits and increased administrative costs. Based on fiscal year (FY) 2024 data, Maryland could qualify for a one-time delay of SNAP cost-sharing implementation until FY 2030 due to its high error rate, if similar levels persist in FY 2025 or FY 2026; and while states with high error rates may be eligible for delays, states, including Maryland, are facing systemic challenges like understaffing and a lack of resources.
- Ends crucial exemptions for caregivers and imposes new time limits that penalize those without steady employment.
More than 635,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP, and the financial strain on states imposed by this bill could force Maryland to make devastating trade-offs — cutting other essential services or raising local taxes.
The bill’s impact doesn’t stop there:
- Children’s access to free school meals is at risk, particularly through the Community Eligibility Provision.
- Summer EBT would be impacted. Texas recently announced opting out of the Summer EBT Program in 2027, denying thousands of children critical food benefits during the summer because of concerns over upcoming state obligations to cover SNAP costs. It is possible that Maryland and other states could decide to opt out of this vital nutrition resource for children during the summer months, as a cost-saving measure.
- Maryland’s food economy would suffer, with farmers and food retailers losing revenue tied to SNAP spending.
“Every SNAP dollar circulates through our towns, lifting businesses and families alike,” Jones added. “Congress should be fighting hunger, not forcing states to choose between education, health care, and putting food on the table.”
Advocates across Maryland are calling on the state’s U.S. House delegation to reject the bill and protect SNAP to support families and our economy.
To learn more or to join the advocacy effort, visit www.mdhungersolutions.org.
###
About Maryland Hunger Solutions
Maryland Hunger Solutions, an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center, works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of Maryland residents.
