Proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the federal level would have a significant impact locally.

Currently, McKean, Elk, Potter and Cameron counties — along with 55 other Pennsylvania counties — waive the work requirement for SNAP (commonly referred to as food stamps). Currently, states and counties with unemployment rates 20 percent higher than a rolling average of the national rate are eligible to be exempted from the work requirement.

The proposed rule change would restrict which areas can obtain waivers to those with unemployment rates above 7 percent and would apply to “able-bodied adults without dependents.”

According to the state Department of Human Services, as of November, there were 6,934 people enrolled in SNAP in McKean County; 344 would be impacted under the proposed rule.

In Elk County, there were 3,143 enrolled in SNAP as of November; 128 would be impacted.

In Potter County, there were 2,410 enrolled; 103 would be impacted. In Cameron County, there were 842 enrolled; 32 would be impacted.

While many praised the move, officials with the state Department of Human Services expressed concern.

“The federal government’s proposed changes to SNAP are extremely concerning. This proposed rule claims to be about helping people towards self-sufficiency but offers no support for workforce development and job training programs that can help people get there,” reads a statement from the agency. “Without these investments, this is nothing but a cut to the nation’s most successful anti-hunger program.”

State officials indicated the program helps assure that people have enough to eat.

“Many of these people experience barriers to work such as a lack of family-supporting jobs in their community, transportation access, insufficient education or job training, mental illness and substance use disorders, among others,” the statement read. “All people should have the opportunity to work and support their family if they are able, but we must also recognize the barriers that can make achieving self-sufficiency more challenging.

“Reducing a person’s access to food does not get them a job — it can only make that more difficult,” the statement indicated.

Officials offered some suggestions that they felt might be more helpful.

“We need to invest in programs that give people the tools they need to empower themselves to find and keep a job that allows them to make a living,” the statement indicated. “By doing that, we have a shot at helping people get to self-sufficiency.

“A bipartisan group of lawmakers rejected changes to SNAP earlier this year. This program already has work requirements. It’s time to stop punishing people for being poor and instead invest in programs that can help them know that a better life is possible.”

However, Congressman Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., spoke in favor of the proposed change.

“I am pleased to see USDA following the good policy put forth in the House farm bill to engage adults who are physically able to join the American workforce, especially at a time where our economy is growing,” Thompson said. “Although the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that we currently have some 7 million jobs available nationwide, encouraging work and job training for work-capable adults will help fill this skills gap. This proposed rule will give so many Americans a new lease on life and the ability to climb the rungs on the ladder of opportunity.”

Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Foundation agreed with Thompson’s assessment.

“Pennsylvania is a perfect example of why this change is necessary,” said Elizabeth Stelle, director of policy analysis for the Commonwealth Foundation, in a prepared release. “Most Pennsylvania counties sidestep existing food stamp work requirements, meaning work-capable beneficiaries are not encouraged to find jobs and become independent. Strengthening these rules will help people take advantage of our growing economy and preserve resources for those who need them most.”

Information provided by the Commonwealth Foundation indicated that nationally, 79 percent of voters support work requirements for healthy adults on food stamps.