TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey Assembly resolution affirming support for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ignited partisan tensions Thursday, with one Republican lawmaker accusing Democrats of using hunger as a political weapon while ignoring calls for common-sense reforms.
‼️TODAY IN TRENTON
— Dawn Fantasia (@DawnFantasia_NJ) May 22, 2025
Democrats just introduced a resolution calling it “unconscionable” to require proof of eligibility for SNAP—or to expect able-bodied, non-elderly, non-disabled adults without children to work or enroll in job training for 20 hours a week.
Unconscionable?… pic. /BPN6WDNwlp
The non-binding resolution, which passed 57-7 with 12 abstentions, declares it “unconscionable” to require proof of eligibility for SNAP benefits or to expect able-bodied, non-elderly, non-disabled adults without children to work or enroll in job training programs for at least 20 hours per week.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia forcefully opposed the measure in remarks on the Assembly floor, arguing that it does nothing to address grocery inflation, eliminate fraud, or ensure that benefits are directed to those truly in need.
“Let me begin by making one thing clear: I support feeding hungry people. I support lifting families out of poverty,” Fantasia said. “But I do not support using hunger as a political weapon, and that’s exactly what you’ve done with this resolution.”
Fantasia criticized the resolution as “a non-binding performative gesture that accomplishes nothing more than virtue signaling to Congress.” She said the measure “doesn’t reform a single broken system” or address the real economic challenges New Jersey families are facing, including the rising cost of living and high taxes.
The Assemblywoman pointed to nonpartisan findings from the Congressional Budget Office, which estimated that up to 13 million SNAP recipients nationwide may not be able to verify their eligibility. Among them, more than 1 million reportedly cannot provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship.
“What’s actually unconscionable is forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for benefits that go to people who cannot even prove they qualify,” Fantasia said, pushing back against the language of the resolution. “This resolution… protects a bloated federal program from even the slightest attempt at oversight.”
Fantasia emphasized that the proposed federal reforms do not target the elderly, disabled, or parents of young children but focus solely on able-bodied adults without dependents. “The proposals in Washington aren’t asking the elderly to work. They’re not asking the disabled to work,” she said. “They’re saying that able-bodied, childless adults—people fully capable of employment—should work 20 hours a week or participate in training in order to receive a taxpayer-funded benefit. This is not extreme. This is responsible.”
The resolution, sponsored by Democrats, reaffirms New Jersey’s support for SNAP and praises the program’s effectiveness in combating food insecurity. Supporters argue that imposing work requirements could jeopardize access to food for low-income individuals and families.
Fantasia, however, rejected that premise, saying, “If you’re relying on taxpayer dollars to meet basic needs, then yes, you should be able to demonstrate eligibility.”
Resolution passes amid broader political divide
The Assemblywoman concluded her remarks by criticizing Democratic leadership for what she described as misplaced priorities. “Here in New Jersey, we’re being crushed under record inflation, sky-high taxes. Grocery bills have gone through the roof,” she said. “But instead of addressing that, we’re grandstanding, defending unchecked federal spending.”
“This resolution doesn’t feed anyone. It doesn’t reform anything. It’s a show, a press release disguised as our policy,” Fantasia added. “If we want to talk about feeding families, let’s talk about making this state affordable again. Stop taxing small businesses into closure. Stop ignoring the working class. And let’s start rewarding work and not permanent dependency.”
While the resolution carries no legal weight, its passage highlights the political fault lines between state Democrats who back expanded social safety nets and Republicans who are calling for tighter oversight and eligibility verification.
Fantasia concluded, “I urge a no vote, not because we don’t want to help people, but because able-bodied, non-elderly, non-disabled individuals with no children should not be asking for a handout if they are not willing to work 20 hours a week. It’s ridiculous.”
