Rep. Sims Calls for Fair SNAP Funding as Large Counties Face Disproportionate Strain

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) today raised urgent concerns over House Bill (HB) 730 passing in the House floor. The bill makes changes to Ohio’s formula for distributing Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) administrative funding. As Ohio faces a $51M SNAP funding gap due to the “Big Beautiful Bill,” county Jobs & Family Services offices may be forced to cut staff, increase caseloads, and delay assistance to families in need.  

“Summit county has one of the lowest error rates in the state, but how can we expect this level of accuracy and efficiency to continue if we cut funding even more drastically? said Rep. Sims. “Right now, we are asking our counties to do more with less, and it is simply not sustainable. There are fewer staff, fewer resources, and greater demand. The Pharoah has taken the straw but still expects us to make bricks.” 

Under the new formula, Ohio counties will all receive the same amount of funding, regardless of population or caseload size. Rep. Sims’ district accounts for 6% of SNAP cases, yet all Ohio counties are receiving the same funding, leaving those with higher caseloads without the resources they need to properly support families and provide timely access to benefits. Without additional support, these offices will likely experience workforce reductions and increased strain on remaining staff.

As caseloads rise and staffing levels decline, constituents across the state will face longer wait times, delayed approvals, and greater difficulty navigating the system. These administrative challenges could ultimately prevent eligible Ohioans from receiving the assistance they depend on.

“SNAP recipients are not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they are children, seniors, families, and veterans who rely on this program to meet their basic food needs. They will be impacted by the failure of legislators to adequately fund the counties that need it most,” concluded Rep. Sims.

Rep. Sims is urging the legislature to create a more equitable, caseload-based, funding approach to protect our counties from unnecessary staff cuts and protect our constituents from losing timely access to the critical benefits that they rely on to meet their basic needs.