Stimulus Money Will Feed Texans

Thanks to all who called their members of Congress! 

In addition to stimulating the stagnant Texas economy, the economic recovery act passed by Congress this weekend represents real relief for the growing number of Texans facing hunger. The act will immediately provide:

• Food Stamps - $19.9 billion for the national Food Stamps Program, translating to a one-time increase in benefits of 13.6%. This will bring approximately $1 billion in food stamps benefits to hungry Texas families, and create $1.73 billion in economic stimulus here in Texas wherever the benefits are spent. 
• WIC - $500 million for the national Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program to support increasing caseloads. Texas' share will depend on the number of new enrollees this year.
• Charitable Food - $100 million to the national Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) , and $150 million to the national Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) , both of which provide food to struggling Texas food banks.
• Senior Meals - $100 million nationally to Meals on Wheels. 

In addition to hunger relief, the act also provides $2.1 billion for Head Start programs, and expands the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to provide greater tax relief to low-income families. These expansions will put disposable income in the hands of those who need it most, and are most likely to spend it quickly - helping Texas and Texans alike.