SNAP benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels in March

The SNAP program serves more than two million people in Illinois. (Facebook/Illinois Department of Human Services)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Human Services says enhanced benefits in the “SNAP” program are ending next month.

Under new federal policy, the extra funds going to SNAP, or food stamp recipients, will stop February 28.

So, starting March 1, customers will receive a smaller amount says IDHS Secretary Grace Hou.

“The decreases for either individuals or families may range from $95 up to $250 per month,” said Hou. “So it obviously depends on household size and the income that the individual or family currently earns.”

The SNAP program serves more than two million people in Illinois.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…