Washington, DC – Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson  released the following statement regarding the Chief Financial Officer’s Quarterly Revenue Estimate: 

“On Friday, the Chief Financial Officer released the  September revenue estimate  which indicates that nearly $40 million in excess revenue is available to temporarily fund the Give SNAP a Raise Amendment Act of 2022, which I authored and passed  late last year. This funding provides a 10% local enhancement to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for District residents between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024. The District increasing its local contribution at this time is even more critical as Congress threatens to slash federal funding for this safety net program. 

“I cannot thank Councilmember Janeese Lewis George enough for moving her amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act of 2023 which included the funding trigger. In addition, I'd like to thank  Councilmember Brianne Nadeau for being a strong partner in getting the underlying Give SNAP a Raise legislation over the finish line when she chaired the Committee on Human Services.

“Over 140,000 District residents will be impacted by an increase of roughly $47 in SNAP benefits per month. Research has demonstrated that SNAP is an effective tool to lift families out of poverty, reduce hospitalization and healthcare costs, and improve mental and physical health. Further, SNAP has an economic multiplier effect: for every dollar invested in SNAP in the District, up to $1.79 is generated in the local economy. Increasing the purchasing power of SNAP recipients can also help in our efforts to attract and retain grocery stores in areas of the city in desperate need of access to fresh food options.

“As we just concluded  National Hunger Action Month, I can think of no better way to take action on hunger in our communities than by ensuring that our neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. I look forward to working with Mayor Bowser, the Chief Financial Officer, the Department of Human Services, and my Council colleagues to get this benefit increase operational for January and to make the funding permanent.”

In addition to funding for SNAP, the quarterly revenue estimate indicates that there will also be $20 million for cash assistance to excluded workers. Revenue estimates can be found at  cfo.dc.gov.

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