Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Federal Judge’s Decision to Strike Down ABAWD Rule

Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
410-528-0021, ext. 3018

Statement attributed to Michael J. Wilson, director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

BALTIMORE, October 19, 2020 – Maryland Hunger Solutions applauds the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision to prevent the Trump administration from implementing a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rule change that would affect thousands of Marylanders’ ability to put food on the table when they struggle with unemployment and underemployment.

Maryland Hunger Solutions was glad to submit an amicus brief in support of Maryland, 18 other states and two localities that brought the litigation against the proposed rule. The litigation, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that a final rule that had been estimated to cut 700,000 adults from SNAP across the U.S. undermines Congressional intent, violates the federal rulemaking process, would impose significant regulatory burdens on states, and would harm states’ residents and economies.

The court described the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposal as “arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law,” dismissing USDA’s attempt to deny benefits to many needy adults on both procedural and substantive grounds. USDA should withdraw this ill-founded proposal and instead work to address food insecurity.

The court ruling stopping the SNAP rule change is a victory for Marylanders and others.  More is needed to fight hunger in Maryland and across the United States. We strongly urge Congress and the Administration to boost SNAP benefits and make other critical investments to address needs during COVID-19 and beyond.

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Maryland Hunger Solutions works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in Maryland.