REP. Altendorf To File Much-Needed Legislation Restoring SNAP Integrity

ST. PAUL – State Representative Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing) is sponsoring legislation aimed at restoring integrity in Minnesota’s administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The “Stop Welfare for the Wealthy” Act will ensure those with substantial resources, in some cases even millionaires, can no longer access SNAP (food stamps) prospectively by closing an automatic eligibility loophole that waives traditional financial eligibility tests.

“As seen in recent months, Minnesota is incapable of responsibly administering social services programs, including SNAP,” Altendorf said. “Minnesota has allowed SNAP, a critical safety net that should be reserved for those truly in need, to be abused by those with resources.”

Altendorf said one reason for SNAP’s growth nationally is that 44 states, including Minnesota, have adopted Broad Based Categorial Eligibility (BBCE). This allows automatic SNAP eligibility for those receiving, or are eligible to receive, non-cash benefits from less substantial welfare programs. Through BBCE, states waive SNAP’s traditional asset tests and adopt higher income limits, which can result in greater enrollment and erroneous payments. Altendorf’s bill closes the BBCE loophole in Minnesota.

Since fiscal year (FY) 2013, Minnesota’s improper payments to SNAP beneficiaries have increased 120%.  FY 2013’s state payment error rate was 4.1% and has since ballooned to 9% in the most recent fiscal year (2024). Nationwide, since 2019, SNAP has grown from serving nearly 36 million recipients monthly to nearly 42 million and from costing taxpayers $60 billion annually to nearly $100 billion annually. Improper payments in Minnesota translate to $77 million in taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits annually.

Altendorf’s “Stop Welfare for the Wealthy” Act will help Minnesota better adapt to provisions included in the enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act which requires states to begin paying a portion of SNAP benefits (which are currently 100% federally funded) if their payment error rates are 6% or greater, starting in 2027 (FY 2028).

“With limited state dollars, we must ensure that those receiving assistance are the ones who need it,” said State Representative Nolan West (R-Blaine), who co-chairs the Minnesota House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee. “Minnesotans are happy to help, but we aren’t happy to be taken advantage of.”

With one in thirteen Minnesotans having received SNAP last year, and error rates well above the 6% threshold, passage of this bill will help put Minnesota on solid footing before these critical national-level reforms take effect. According to USDA, 800,000 ineligible recipients have been moved off the program since January of 2025.