SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 15, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to enhance state SNAP administration by fully federalizing personnel costs, provided states adopt federal wage standards and maintain current staffing and funding efforts.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to significantly increase the federal cost share for state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative personnel costs to 100%. This increased funding is contingent on states adopting federal wage standards for these employees, specifically aligning their pay with federal General Schedule (GS) rates, and maintaining existing non-federal funding and staffing levels. The bill aims to improve staffing and retention within state SNAP agencies.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that increasing the federal cost share to 100% for SNAP administrative personnel, coupled with federal wage standards, will significantly improve staffing levels and retention in state agencies. This will lead to more efficient program delivery, reduce backlogs, and ensure that eligible individuals receive timely access to vital nutrition assistance. They contend that current state funding limitations often result in underpaid and overworked staff, leading to high turnover and service disruptions.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that fully federalizing administrative costs could reduce state accountability for program efficiency and potentially lead to inflated state personnel budgets without guaranteed improvements in service quality. Concerns could also be raised about the precedent of mandating federal wage standards for state employees, potentially encroaching on state autonomy and creating disparities with other state-funded positions.
The bill is concise and its provisions are clearly stated, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review.
Section 2(1)
Expanding Federal Cost Share Reference
This provision makes a technical amendment to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, updating an existing subsection to include a reference to the new subsection (m). This new subsection outlines the 100% federal cost-sharing for administrative personnel costs, effectively integrating the bill's core changes into the existing legal framework.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue this is a necessary technical update to ensure the new provisions are properly integrated into existing law.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this type of technical statutory amendment.
Tradeoffs
None, as this is a purely technical and conforming amendment.
Section 2(2), adding subsection (l)
Mandated Federal Wage Parity for State SNAP Staff
This provision mandates that within one year of the bill's enactment, wages for state agency personnel administering SNAP must be no less than the pay rates for comparable Federal employees under subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code (i.e., federal General Schedule or GS pay scales). These wages must also be updated annually to reflect any federal pay increases, including locality adjustments.
Section 2(2), adding subsection (m)(1)
Full Federal Funding for State SNAP Administrative Personnel Costs
This provision directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay 100% of all administrative personnel costs incurred by state agencies for carrying out the SNAP program, upon approval of a state's wage plan. This comprehensive coverage includes costs for processing, hiring, and training new employees, maintaining personnel costs, and ensuring compliance with the new federal wage standards.
Section 2(2), adding subsection (m)(2)
State Submission and Federal Approval of Wage Plans
Within one year of the bill's enactment, state agencies are required to submit their personnel wage plans to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. These plans must detail position titles, duties, wages, and appropriate rates of pay for employees, demonstrating how the state intends to comply with the new federal wage standards outlined in the bill.
Section 2(2), adding subsection (m)(3)
State Maintenance of Effort and Staffing Levels
This provision stipulates that federal payments for administrative costs are contingent on states using the funds to supplement, not supplant, existing non-federal funds used for administrative personnel costs. Furthermore, states must use the funds for existing or additional full-time equivalent (FTE) positions above the number held in fiscal year 2024, ensuring that federal funds lead to increased or maintained staffing, not just replacing state funds.
Mandates state SNAP personnel wages to be equivalent to federal General Schedule (GS) pay rates, including locality adjustments, by referencing 'subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code'.
Section 2(2), adding subsection (l)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for referencing existing law or established pay scales, providing a clear, objective standard without needing to reproduce complex regulations within the bill text.
Case for: Ensures a clear, objective, and regularly updated standard for state wages, linking them to a well-established federal system that accounts for cost of living differences across regions.
Case against: Could be seen as overly prescriptive, as federal GS pay scales might not perfectly align with state-specific cost-of-living or labor market conditions in all areas, potentially creating unintended consequences for state personnel systems.
Estimated impact: Significant increase in wages for many state SNAP employees, potentially standardizing pay across states and making these positions more competitive.