Rep. Andrea Salinas Introduces Bill to Improve Workforce Training for SNAP Recipients

Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) reintroduced the SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Act, legislation to improve workforce training programs for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries and help put them on the path to self-sufficiency. 

“SNAP is critical to ensuring that children, veterans, and seniors across Oregon don’t go hungry. This bill would improve employment and training opportunities for SNAP recipients to put them on the pathway to self-sufficiency,” said Rep. Salinas. “Given that Congressional Republicans just slashed SNAP benefits and imposed harsh work requirements, this bill is more important than ever to provide people with the tools they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.”

State SNAP agencies are required to administer Employment and Training (E&T) programs for beneficiaries. These programs help participants gain skills, education, training, and experience that lead to good stable jobs. Through SNAP E&T, states are able to provide additional support services – such as transportation and child care – to help participants overcome barriers to joining or moving up in the workforce. However, many states do not have a user-friendly way to collect data on SNAP E&T programs or conduct robust analyses to improve program performance.

The SNAP E&T DATA Act would codify and expand Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Data and Technical Assistance Grants to improve performance of Employment and Training programs. Specifically, the bill would: 

• Support state and local agencies in the development of E&T data collection systems and processes that enhance states’ ability to review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement.
• Provide additional funds for technical assistance, so that states can become more effective, data driven E&T providers.
• Encourage participation among states that have not yet received such grants.
• Encourage data improvements that 1) facilitate co-enrollment and coordination with other federally supported workforce development programs and 2) support interoperability between SNAP E&T data systems and other state longitudinal data infrastructure, such as that for K-12 education, postsecondary education, and existing workforce development programs.

In 2023, the Oregon Department of Human Services was awarded $1.5 million to assess and improve E&T participation and more accurately track program outcomes. Rep. Salinas’ legislation would significantly expand federal support for data collection on the effectiveness of SNAP E&T programs in Oregon.

The SNAP E&T DATA Act is endorsed by the Data Quality Campaign and America Forward.

"America Forward Coalition members who work with states, local governments, and participants in the SNAP Employment and Training program require accurate and accessible data to deliver the strongest possible SNAP E&T opportunities that advance economic mobility. We applaud Representative Andrea Salinas and urge Congress to include this critical legislation in the Farm Bill to enable continuous improvement, strengthen transparency, and break down barriers to participation in SNAP E&T,” said Chase Sackett, Policy Director, America Forward. 

“Everyone should have the information they need to make informed decisions about their workforce pathways, support individuals navigating these pathways, and create policies that might help others navigate smoother pathways. DQC applauds the efforts of Rep. Salinas to ensure that the SNAP E&T program has the data infrastructure necessary so that it fulfills its role in helping individuals improve their economic mobility,” said Kate Tromble, Vice President of Federal Policy, Data Quality Campaign. 

To read a one-page description of this legislation, click here.

 To read the full text of this legislation, click here.