Fairfield Reporter

State Senator Tim Schaffer has introduced Senate Resolution 29, urging the United States Congress to take action against SNAP EBT fraud. The resolution calls for the restoration of stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the implementation of anti-fraud measures.

Over the past year and a half, SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) food card fraud has significantly increased, resulting in nearly $15 million being stolen from Ohioans in need. "Up until December of 2024, the Federal government was restoring these lost benefits," said Schaffer. "Unfortunately, this was not reauthorized in the federal continuing resolution and now these families in crisis are being targeted by criminals and losing their benefits through no fault of their own."

The resolution also requests Congress to implement and fund enhanced anti-fraud measures. These include replacing current SNAP EBT cards with modern cards equipped with security chips. Schaffer emphasized, "It is imperative that Congress resume restoring these lost benefits as well as implement enhanced anti-fraud measures to stop the common theft practice of card skimming among other theft and fraudulent actions." He added, "We should do all we can to protect taxpayer dollars and our most vulnerable families."

Senate Resolution 29 will now be reviewed by the Senate Workforce Development committee.