Letter to the Hon. Sonny Perdue, Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - Governor Walz Calls on Trump Administration to Withdraw Proposed Cuts to Hunger Relief

Letter

Dear Secretary Perdue:

I write to express my deep concern with the Department of Agriculture's continued efforts to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This critical program provides food to thousands of Minnesotans -- the majority of whom are children, seniors, and people living with disabilities. Let me be clear: These misguided policy changes will increase hunger across Minnesota.

On three occasions over the last year, the Trump Administration has proposed cuts to SNAP. Similar cuts were brought forward in Congress and rejected. The State of Minnesota has formally voiced our opposition to each of these proposals, and I write to reiterate our concern today. These cuts would hurt Minnesotans across the state, hitting families in rural communities particularly hard.

The proposals would take away food support from thousands of children, seniors, and people living with disabilities. Even families that meet the new qualifications under these rules would face reductions to the already limited benefit of $1.40 per person per meal. Contrary to the Trump Administration's claim of supporting local control, the proposed SNAP rules undermine Minnesota's authority over food assistance and create heavier administrative burdens on local governments.

Having spent 20 years in the classroom, I see these cuts through the lens of a high school teacher. I taught students experiencing hunger. And I will tell you: a child cannot learn when they are hungry. Anti-hunger programs like SNAP are critical to student success and lay an essential foundation for building a competitive economy and next-generation workforce. Ensuring that families in need can access these programs is not only a moral imperative, it's an economic one.

As Governor, I will explore every opportunity to stand up against your attacks on fundamental programs that serve our Minnesota families. These proposed cuts do not reflect Minnesota values. Here in our state, we believe in "One Minnesota"--where we lift each other up and support our children, families, and neighbors in need. I urge you to withdraw these proposals immediately.

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