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Gov. Ricketts announces employment initiative for SNAP participants

Posted at 11:27 AM, Jul 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-17 13:54:02-04

Governor Pete Ricketts, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor announced a new employment initiative for SNAP participants in the state of Nebraska Monday. 

SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is more commonly known as food stamps. 

The goal of the new programming is to get help SNAP clients be more financially independent by connecting them with good jobs.

The pilot program began in last year in Grand Island and lead to 14 people changing jobs allowing them to lower, or completely eliminate their dependence on SNAP. The pilot worked with 27 families in Grand Island. 

In total, those who changed jobs saw an annual salary increase of $6,900 on average. 

DHHS and DOL are expanding the program into Hastings, Columbus and Norfolk by May of 2018. The initiative already began last month in Hastings. 

“I applaud DHHS and DOL for working together to find solutions to connect Nebraska families to better-paying jobs and greater financial independence,” Ricketts said. “Partnerships like this in state government grow our state and help keep Nebraska the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.”