St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

State Representative Brad Paquette has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting the purchase of soda with taxpayer-funded food stamps. House Bill 4305 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to seek a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This waiver would ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for soda purchases.

"Michigan taxpayers should not be required to fund poor food consumption," Representative Paquette stated. He clarified that his bill does not aim to reduce the assistance received by low-income individuals but emphasizes responsible spending of taxpayer money. "We should ensure that SNAP beneficiaries are not using this program in a way that is both exorbitant and palpably harmful to themselves."

The bill mandates that if the initial request is denied, the MDHHS is obliged to submit requests annually until approval is obtained. The proposal is now awaiting review by the House Committee on Health Policy. Paquette expressed optimism that legislators will support his effort to promote healthier food choices through government assistance programs.

“Soda is among the most nutritionally detrimental food options available,” Paquette remarked. He highlighted the importance of nutrition in the SNAP program, emphasizing that taxpayer funds should facilitate access to nutritious food and drinks, suggesting that soda, with no nutritional benefit, should not be covered by SNAP benefits.