HR0075 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0075 LRB103 30902 MST 57443 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Every year, thousands of foster families across Illinois provide a temporary safe haven for children; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of foster care is to provide a safe and stable home for children in need, where they can grow and develop without fear of abuse or neglect; these families are critical in giving children homes and keeping them out of state facilities; and

WHEREAS, Children end up in foster care through no fault of their own, and regardless of their history, they all can achieve individual successes and happiness in life with the proper care and guidance; but first, they need the chance to grow in a nurturing, loving family; and

WHEREAS, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) delivers more nutrition assistance to low-income children than any other federal program, making it the nation's largest child nutrition program; and

WHEREAS, SNAP provides a critical foundation for the health and well-being of America's children, lifting millions of families and their children out of poverty and improving food security; research shows that its support can have surprisingly important long-lasting effects; and

WHEREAS, Providing help to foster families can be the difference between whether they can continue to remain together or whether the children would have to be removed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the federal government to allow all foster families to automatically qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits regardless of income; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, the U.S. Speaker of the House, the U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader, all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and Deputy Under Secretary for USDA's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean.