TEFAP Alliance Blog

October 2005

TEFAP Alliance
Sponsored by California Emergency Foodlink

WASHINGTON UPDATE – October 21, 2005

Stopgap Measure Keeps Programs Funded

Caught up last month in hurricane relief efforts and debates on tax cut proposals, Congress once again failed to pass appropriations bills before the October 1 start of the new federal fiscal year. To keep government functioning in the absence of final spending bills for fiscal year 2006, a continuing resolution (CR) was enacted at the end of the month and signed by President Bush on September 30. The CR will keep most programs operating through November 18, 2005 or until appropriations are enacted, whichever occurs first. Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: Oct.21.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »

August 2005

TEFAP Alliance
Sponsored by California Emergency Foodlink

WASHINGTON UPDATE – August 25, 2005
Reconciliation Pressures on Food Stamps Mount
Congress remains on recess this month, and although future reductions in TEFAP are unlikely, the pressure is growing for the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to consider Food Stamp Program (FSP) cuts in response to “reconciliation” instructions contained in the 2006 Budget Resolution. The Committees have until September 16 to identify $3 billion in spending reductions over five years for programs under their jurisdiction. Committee leaders are examining commodity programs, conservation, and nutrition assistance as possible areas for savings.

Food stamp supporters are rallying to protect the program. Nearly 70 minority legislators signed an August 1 letter to Agriculture Committee chairs urging against food stamp cuts. On behalf of the entire membership of the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses and the board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Representative Joe Baca (D-CA) said, “For members of these caucuses, funding for food stamps and nutrition programs is a key priority. We care about agriculture, but not at the expense of providing assistance to feed hungry children.” Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: Aug.25.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »

July 2005

TEFAP Alliance
Sponsored by California Emergency Foodlink

WASHINGTON UPDATE – July 27, 2005

Funding Decisions Delayed Until September

Congress will take its traditional summer recess next month, effectively delaying action on fiscal year 2006 appropriations until September. The recess, which begins August 1, will run until Congress reconvenes on September 6. In the meantime, next year’s funding for a variety of programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), hangs in the balance. Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: Jul.27.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »

June 2005

In This Issue:
• Appropriations Bills Moving Apace
• Transfer Deadline Fast Approaching
• Unused Fiscal 2004 Funds Allocated
• Two More Bonus Items Offered
• New Commodity Recipes Available
• Reports from the Field

Appropriations Bills Moving Apace
Congress began moving ahead on appropriations bills this month at a faster pace than in recent years. No major cuts to food programs have occurred yet, but a plan approved earlier in the year to help cut the national deficit may portend trouble for nutrition assistance efforts later in the year. Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: Jun.27.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »

May 2005

In This Issue:
• Congressional Action Expected as Time Runs Short
• Proposed Legislation
• More Bonus Buys Announced
• Updated Regulations Available
• Reports from the Field

Congressional Action Expected as Time Runs Short
Appropriations bills for fiscal year 2006 have begun to move this month, as Congress wrestles with trying to prioritize spending needs under the budget resolution passed in late April. On May 25, the House Appropriations Committee passed a bill providing approximately $100 billion in funds for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs next year. The Senate Appropriations Committee will not meet to consider agriculture funding until June at the earliest.
TEFAP was approved at the funding level recommended by the Bush Administration – $140 million for food purchases and $50 million for distribution and storage, with USDA given authority to allow states to transfer up to $10 million in food funds to the distribution account. Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: May.26.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »

April 2005

In This Issue:
• Nutrition Cuts Possible for 2006 Budget
• Dry Milk Supplies Dry Up
• Fiscal Year 2005 State Allocations Finalized
• Bonus Buys Continuing
• Views from the Field
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Nutrition Cuts Possible for 2006 Budget
Congressional action on a budget for fiscal year 2006 appears stalled, but it is beginning to appear likely that food and nutrition assistance programs will take a hit if and when a budget resolution is finalized. Congress has met its own self-imposed April 15 deadline for a budget resolution only six times in the past 30 years. Continue Reading »

mvauthier :: Apr.25.2005 :: Washington Update :: No Comments »