SC New York News

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) has announced the inclusion of his Think DIFFERENTLY Nutrition and Opportunities Act in the 2024 Farm Bill, which has advanced to the House Floor. The bill aims to address a loophole that affects working students with disabilities and their families' access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Currently, wages earned by students aged 17 or younger are excluded from a household’s total income for SNAP purposes, allowing these families to retain their benefits if a student takes on part-time work. However, under existing law, if a student with a disability aged 18 to 21 works part-time, their income is counted towards the household's total income, potentially reducing SNAP benefits. This discrepancy arises because students enrolled in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs can legally remain in secondary school until age 21.

Rep. Molinaro's bipartisan bill seeks to extend the income exclusion age for students to 21 years old, ensuring that the 7.3 million students enrolled in IDEA programs can work without jeopardizing their family’s SNAP benefits.

"Every student, of every ability, who wishes to work should be able to without fear," said Rep. Molinaro. "My bill fixes the SNAP loophole so families who have a child with a disability are able to pursue meaningful employment without being penalized."

Kim Musheno of the Autism Society of America expressed support for the legislation: "The Autism Society thanks Rep. Molinaro for introducing the Think Differently Nutrition Act. This legislation is a crucial step forward in promoting inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with special needs."

Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo), also endorsed the bill: "Counties are key partners in helping vulnerable households achieve self-sufficiency... The bipartisan Think DIFFERENTLY Nutrition and Opportunities Act of 2024 would allow older secondary school students with disabilities to participate in the workforce without compromising federal nutrition benefits available to their families."

Lauren Morando Rhim, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Learner Equity, added her support: "The Center for Learner Equity thanks Rep. Molinaro for authoring a bill that assures eligible young adults with disabilities have continued access to food benefits."