New York Counties Facing SNAP Administration Cuts

BUFFALO-New York counties are facing an estimated $170 million in additional annual costs to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP after a new federal law reduced Washington’s share of the funding. The change, part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, took effect Oct. 1, reducing the federal government’s contribution toward SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%. With counties preparing their budgets for next year, local leaders say the additional expenses could force difficult decisions about spending on other services. Governor Kathy Hochel criticized the Trump administration’s SNAP changes and pointed to money the state has already spent offsetting federal cuts but did not directly commit to providing additional funding for the latest administrative cost shift. Counties are also preparing for separate federal changes affecting SNAP eligibility and future benefit-related costs. Expanded work requirements could affect which residents remain eligible for food assistance. With the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, county officials are watching whether a change in control of Congress could lead to changes in federal policy but any reversal of the enacted funding changes would require new federal legislation. For now, counties must prepare their budgets under the existing law, with no commitment from New York state to cover the additional administrative expenses.