Nebraska For Us, experts lead discussion on how Republicans’ SNAP cuts will hurt farmers and working families

Local coalition urges Congressman Don Bacon, federal delegation to change their stance and oppose SNAP cuts

OMAHA, Nebraska (June 3, 2025)—Nebraska For Us, current and former elected officials, and local organizations joined forces for a virtual roundtable to discuss how the Republican Tax Plan—which Congressman Don Bacon voted for—cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to pay for billionaire and corporate tax handouts. In 2024, the program helped feed more than 150,000 Nebraskans across the state. 25,000 Nebraskans could lose access to food under just one of the cuts in the Republican-written bill.

SNAP has been a major topic of discussion not only federally in the House and Senate, but also in Nebraska’s unicameral, where a variety of proposals have been considered, approved, or even vetoed.

“If these cuts happen, it will be a $30 billion price tag due to lost revenue for our nation’s farmers,” former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small said. “The USDA conducted a study that found every $1 of SNAP benefits generates $1.50 of economic activity. The majority of people who receive SNAP dollars in Nebraska are already working. For the rest, SNAP is temporary relief, it is not permanent.”

“A lot of people believe SNAP is just another welfare program, that people who are on it have absolutely no desire to improve their lives,” Nebraska State Senator Victor Rountree said. “There are many misconceptions about people who receive SNAP. Everyone wants a better life, and some people need help to improve their situation. SNAP cuts would also have a detrimental impact on the state’s budget. It might be the first thing we have to focus on when we come back in January.”

Republicans' proposed cuts, including new paperwork headaches, could soon lead to qualified SNAP recipients not receiving the benefits they need. It will also only amplify the pressure on organizations like Food Bank For The Heartland and Together Omaha. These groups are on the ground keeping a close eye on the growing need for food in the Omaha metro.

“We have seen the demand continue to rise over the last several years, and we are seeing more people needing emergency food assistance than at any point during COVID,” said Tim Williams, Food Bank For The Heartland Government Affairs and Advocacy Officer. “We are not necessarily seeing government resources increase to meet that heightened demand. It is putting a greater strain on food pantries to fill the gaps. Without SNAP, it puts a greater burden on our pantry system that it cannot take. What is on the table for SNAP right now could dramatically alter the program in a way that could take a generation to repair.”

“We definitely rely on philanthropic efforts in our community to meet the need that is there,” Together Director of Policy and Advocacy Alicia Christensen said. “In terms of sheer numbers, our pantry went from serving 91 per day in 2023 to serving 109 per day in 2024. This year, that number has jumped to 167 visitors per day. The proposed cuts will almost certainly lead to the state cutting eligibility while families worry about affording food and going hungry. The solution is not to cut services. We can make them better.”

This is the first of many virtual roundtable discussions in the weeks and months ahead that Nebraska For Us will hold regarding various federal economic policy proposals, including cuts to SNAP and other vital programs.

“Nebraska For Us is grateful for the valuable expertise of our panelists who can simplify these complex topics so that members of our community can be equipped with even more knowledge to engage with their Congressional representation, like Congressman Bacon,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “People in our community truly make all the difference, and providing an outlet where questions can be answered can go a long way in creating meaningful, positive change.”

Nebraska For Us focuses on federal economic policies that impact working class and middle income Nebraskans, specifically with the potential extension or expansion of the 2017 GOP Tax Law and cuts to programs Nebraska families rely on. Nebraska For Us encourages members of the public to contact the offices of Congressman Don Bacon—along with our entire federal delegation—urging them to protect SNAP, not cut it.