Buckeye Reporter

U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has introduced legislation aimed at adjusting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for students participating in career and technical education (CTE) programs. The proposed bill, called the FEED Act, would amend SNAP’s income calculation rules so that wages earned by individuals aged 18 to 21 through CTE programs are not counted toward their household’s total income.

“Students enrolled in career and technical education programs are working hard to prepare for high-skill, high-demand jobs. My bill corrects outdated SNAP laws so CTE students enrolled in SNAP can continue their education without jeopardizing their families’ benefits,” said Husted.

There are more than 130,000 Ohio high school students currently enrolled in CTE programs across career centers and community colleges. Presently, low-income students who earn wages as part of these programs risk losing access to SNAP because their earnings are included in the overall household income calculation. It is estimated that about 50,000 Ohioans between the ages of 18 and 21 do not participate in work-based learning opportunities due to this policy.

Husted has previously worked on expanding job training initiatives and access to skills training in Ohio during his tenure as lieutenant governor. He was instrumental in launching efforts like TechCred to help residents obtain job credentials.

The senator also supported a request by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services seeking federal approval from the Food and Nutrition Service for a waiver that would exclude secondary student earnings from household income calculations under SNAP.

Full text of the bill is available here.