SNAP Confusion
People in Oregon and Washington who help others sign up for SNAP say new rules have created more confusion, fear and lost benefits for people who still qualify. Federal changes starting in the spring expanded work requirements and time limits, raising the age ceiling and narrowing exemptions. Emily Kaleel is the president of Clark County Food Bank, which fed over 160-thousand people last year. She says the food bank also helps sign people up for SNAP, and many are confused about if they qualify and afraid of getting in trouble for mistakes.
“Whether it’s an age restriction or understanding the working requirements, there’s been a lot of people who have self-elected not to participate, thinking that they did not or would not qualify.”
Backers of the new policies say they’re meant to encourage work. But ample research shows work requirements for programs like SNAP and Medicaid don’t boost employment – instead, they push people out of programs. Nearly 70-thousand Oregonians have lost their SNAP benefits since the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” last July, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Mapleton Water District Meeting
The Mapleton Water District Board of Commissioners meets tonight at 6 p.m. with several infrastructure-related items on the agenda. Commissioners are scheduled to hold a hearing on a USDA Rural Development grant, consider repairs to a sewer treatment plant pump, and receive updates on multiple projects, including EPA Rice Road work, intake improvements, wastewater facility planning, a USDA storage tank refurbishment project, and wastewater rehabilitation hardening efforts. The board will also discuss current operations, open positions, and purchase approvals during the regular meeting at the Mapleton Lions Club Kitchen.
Fire Restrictions in Siuslaw National Forest Rescinded
Rainfall and cooler temperatures have lowered wildfire risk on the Siuslaw National Forest, prompting officials to lift public use restrictions effective September 18th. Campfires will once again be allowed outside developed campgrounds, and restrictions on grills, chainsaws, off-highway vehicles, and smoking have been lifted. Forest officials say fire danger is now rated “low,” but remind visitors to keep campfires small and ensure they are completely out and cold to the touch before leaving. Information on current fire restrictions across Oregon is available through the Oregon Department of Forestry.
