Press Releases

Washington, DC – One week after introducing the Think DIFFERENTLY Nutrition and Opportunities Act, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today applauded its inclusion in the 2024 Farm Bill, which advanced to the House Floor. His bill fixes a loophole to prevent working students with disabilities and their families from losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. It builds on Rep. Molinaro's nationally recognized 'Think DIFFERENTLY' initiative to break down barriers for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

Wages earned by students aged 17 or younger are excluded from a household’s total income for the purposes of SNAP, meaning that a family does not risk a reduction in benefits if a student decides to get a part time job. However, under current law, if a student with a disability aged 18 to 21 gets a part time job, their income is counted for the purposes of SNAP, risking a reduction in family benefits. This occurs because students enrolled in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs can legally be in secondary school until age 21.

Rep. Molinaro's bipartisan bill prevents these working students and their families from losing benefits by extending the income exclusion age for students to 21 years old. This will enable the 7.3 million students enrolled in IDEA programs to work without jeopardizing their family’s SNAP benefits.

Rep. Molinaro said, "Every student, of every ability, who wishes to work, should be able to without fear. My bill fixes the SNAP loophole so families who have a child with a disability are able to pursue meaningful employment without being penalized.”

Kim Musheno of the Autism Society of America said, "The Autism Society thanks Rep. Molinaro for introducing the Think Differently Nutrition Act. This legislation is a crucial step forward in promoting inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with special needs. By extending the income exclusion age for students to 21 years old, we're ensuring that those enrolled in IDEA education programs have the same opportunities to work and contribute to their households without fear of losing essential benefits. This not only aligns with the principles of Think DIFFERENTLY but also encourages independence and self-sufficiency among young adults with disabilities. Let's support this legislation to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all."

Executive Director Matthew Chase of National Association of Counties (NACo) said, "Counties are key partners in helping vulnerable households achieve self-sufficiency, administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 10 states and connecting underserved individuals with education and employment opportunities. The bipartisan ThinkDIFFERENTLY Nutrition and Opportunities Act of 2024 would allow older secondary school students with disabilities to participate in the workforce without compromising the level of federal nutrition benefits available to their families. We look forward to working with Congress to pass this legislation as part of a bipartisan Farm Bill reauthorization.”

Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Learner Equity, Lauren Morando Rhim said, "The Center for Learner Equity thanks Rep. Molinaro for authoring a bill that assures eligible young adults with disabilities have continued access to food benefits to help ease their transition from school to work, or into postsecondary education."