Senate Subcommittee Holds First Hearing on Federal Impacts, Spotlighting SNAP Changes

Senate Subcommittee Holds First Hearing on Federal Impacts, Spotlighting SNAP Changes

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate’s newly formed Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability is holding its inaugural hearing today, Wednesday, October 1, at 12:00 p.m. in Room 1150 of the Minnesota Senate Building. The session is also being livestreamed by Senate Media Services.

The subcommittee was created in response to recent federal legislative and administrative actions, including policy changes advanced by Congress and the Trump administration. Its mission is to assess how these federal shifts could affect Minnesotans, particularly in the areas of food assistance, county budgets, and overall economic stability.

Focus on SNAP Changes

The first hearing is concentrating on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides critical food support to thousands of Minnesota households. Testimony is being heard from county officials, policy experts, and SNAP recipients on how new federal rules could impact program access and stability.

Among the changes under review are proposals to tighten eligibility for able-bodied adults without dependents, restrict states’ ability to waive work requirements in regions with insufficient jobs, and limit the use of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which currently helps streamline access for families with modest incomes.

Analysts warn that these shifts could result in thousands of Minnesotans losing or seeing reductions in food assistance, while also shifting new administrative and benefit costs onto states and counties. Local governments and property taxpayers could face added pressure as budgets are forced to absorb these changes.

Legislative Response

By gathering testimony directly from those affected, the subcommittee aims to provide lawmakers with a clearer picture of the real-world consequences of federal decisions and inform potential legislative responses in the 2026 session. Senate leaders have emphasized that the panel’s work will include both Capitol hearings and statewide listening sessions to ensure diverse voices are heard.

Public Access

The hearing is open to the public. Minnesotans can attend in person at the Senate Building in St. Paul or watch live through the Senate Media Services livestream.

MinneapoliMedia