• Bloomberg reports that "the US Congress is poised to let a temporary increase in food-stamp benefits end later this week for more than 47 million people. The extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were part of the 2009 stimulus law.
"Unless legislation is enacted before Friday -- and none is scheduled for a vote — benefits for a family of four would be reduced by $36 per month, according to the Agriculture Department. At maximum benefit levels in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., that would work out to 5.4 percent less for that family of four."
The story goes on to say that Texas Republican Michael Conaway, a member of a House-Senate committee working on farm-subsidy and nutrition legislation, H.R. 2642, said he expects no debate on reviving the soon-to-expire addition to food benefits. The expiration is a settled decision and 'it’s the law,' he said."
There is an irony in that statement that has nothing to do with food stamp benefits.
• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that McDonald's will no longer offer Heinz ketchup in its fast food restaurants, and is moving to other vendors. According to the story, the change follows "the appointment of former Burger King Worldwide CEO Bernardo Hees to run Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. Mr. Hees also serves as vice chairman of the board of Miami-based Burger King.
"Unless legislation is enacted before Friday -- and none is scheduled for a vote — benefits for a family of four would be reduced by $36 per month, according to the Agriculture Department. At maximum benefit levels in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., that would work out to 5.4 percent less for that family of four."
The story goes on to say that Texas Republican Michael Conaway, a member of a House-Senate committee working on farm-subsidy and nutrition legislation, H.R. 2642, said he expects no debate on reviving the soon-to-expire addition to food benefits. The expiration is a settled decision and 'it’s the law,' he said."
There is an irony in that statement that has nothing to do with food stamp benefits.
• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that McDonald's will no longer offer Heinz ketchup in its fast food restaurants, and is moving to other vendors. According to the story, the change follows "the appointment of former Burger King Worldwide CEO Bernardo Hees to run Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. Mr. Hees also serves as vice chairman of the board of Miami-based Burger King.
- KC's View:
