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Judge Reviews Lawsuit on Alaska’s Food Stamp Delays
Arguments Heard on Urgent Need for Timely SNAP Benefits
Judge Sharon Gleason of the U.S. District Court is examining a crucial issue concerning the timely distribution of food assistance in. Oral arguments in the lawsuit were held in Anchorage on Thursday. The case has the potential to guarantee that the state will disburse food stamps on schedule following years of consistent food stamp delays. Ten Alaskans filed the complaint in January of last year, according to Alaska Public Media. They said that food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were not given by the Alaska Department of Health within the legally required time constraints. The state’s Division of Assistance had a significant backlog causing thousands of Alaskans to wait months for essential federal food aid. Initially, the court granted the state a series of food stamp delays allowing it to address its problems. However, after a year and a half with little progress and another backlog of applications Judge Gleason stopped granting these food stamp delays in February.
State officials have recently claimed they have cleared the backlog and are issuing benefits on time. However, the plaintiffs argue that some food stamp delays still persist. Nick Feronti of the Northern Justice Project representing the plaintiffs has asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction. This injunction would compel the state to process food stamp applications within the federally required time limits and to notify any household facing delays providing them with the opportunity for a hearing. Feronti emphasized the urgency of the matter stating “We’re here about a preliminary injunction that could stop Alaskans from going hungry.” He highlighted the irreversible harm caused to Alaskans who depend on these benefits saying “If we are depriving poor folks if we are depriving the indigent of their chance to simply get a bite to eat well that’s a harm that we cannot repair in the future even with back benefits.” Representing the Alaska Department of Health Lael Harrison argued that a court order mandating quicker action would be too vague to enforce effectively. She cited the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure which require that a preliminary injunction must describe what it asks for in reasonable detail.
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10,000+ Alaskans Face Food Stamp Delays: Judge Reviews Urgent Lawsuit (PHOTO: Alaska Public Media)
Debate Over State’s Progress Highlights Need for Court Intervention
Furthermore, Harrison also contended that the state is already addressing the food stamp delays. “The Division of Public Assistance isn’t saying ‘Somebody else has to figure out what we got to do.’ They figured out what they got to do. They’re doing it. You can see the results from it already.” In response, Feronti argued that the state’s progress is insufficient and that the court’s intervention is still necessary. Judge Gleason stated she would consider the arguments but did not provide a timeline for her decision. The outcome of this case could significantly impact the timely distribution of food stamps in Alaska directly affecting many residents who rely on this aid.
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