BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York counties are facing an estimated $170 million in additional annual costs to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program after a new federal law reduced Washington’s share of the funding.
The change, part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, took effect Oct. 1, reducing the federal government’s contribution toward SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%.
With counties preparing their budgets for next year, local leaders say the additional expenses could force difficult decisions about spending on other services.
Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties, said counties may have to reduce spending elsewhere to cover the costs.
“We have to cut programs and services, pave less roads and bridges, reduce expenditures for other non-mandatory or what’s called discretionary spending programs for the elderly,” Acquario said.
Erie County faces budget pressure
In Western New York, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said he is budgeting nearly $14 million in SNAP-related costs for next year.
The county’s proposed 2027 budget is due Oct. 15, leaving officials to determine how to absorb the additional expenses while balancing other financial obligations.
“I’m not the federal government. I can’t print money. So I have to basically reduce expenses elsewhere to make up for the additional amount that we have to pay,” Poloncarz said.
Hochul questioned about state assistance
Spectrum News political reporter Nai Rhoden pressed Gov. Kathy Hochul on whether New York would step in to help counties cover the increased costs.
Hochul criticized the Trump administration’s SNAP changes and pointed to money the state has already spent offsetting federal cuts.
“We have been helping. I can’t tell you how many years we’ve had to backfill,” Hochul said.
However, the governor did not directly commit to providing additional funding for the latest administrative cost shift.
Acquario said NYSAC has discussed the issue with Hochul’s administration and state budget officials but has not received a commitment.
“There have been no commitments made by the governor, by the budget director of the state of New York,” Acquario said. “But we have made it clear that the magnitude of this cost shift is beyond the capacity of local taxpayers and that we need their help.”
Other SNAP changes raise concerns
Counties are also preparing for separate federal changes affecting SNAP eligibility and future benefit-related costs.
Expanded work requirements could affect which residents remain eligible for food assistance.
Catherine Schick of FeedMore WNY said some families may not realize how the changes could affect their benefits.
“There are other people who may suddenly not be eligible for SNAP as a result of SNAP cuts,” Schick said.
NYSAC has called for a two-year delay in implementing separate SNAP benefit cost-sharing provisions to give local governments more time to prepare.
With the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, county officials are watching whether a change in control of Congress could lead to changes in federal policy.
However, any reversal of the enacted funding changes would require new federal legislation.
For now, counties must prepare their budgets under the existing law, with no commitment from New York state to cover the additional administrative expenses.
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
