1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support Utah joining the lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 21 other state attorneys general against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legal action challenges new guidance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that could wrongfully exclude eligible lawful permanent residents from receiving vital food assistance. The USDA's guidance for implementing the "Big Beautiful Bill" appears to misinterpret the law, potentially depriving thousands of legal permanent residents of SNAP benefits they are entitled to receive. This not only goes against congressional intent but also risks imposing financial penalties on states for errors in eligibility determinations. Joining this lawsuit aligns with Utah's values of fairness, responsible governance, and supporting our communities. By participating, Utah can help ensure that lawful residents are not unjustly denied food assistance and protect our state from potential financial repercussions due to forced implementation of flawed federal guidance. The lawsuit argues that the USDA's guidance violates the Administrative Procedure Act by being contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious. It seeks to prevent the USDA from applying this guidance and using its effective date to calculate state error rates, which could lead to unfair penalties for Utah and other states. Taking action on this issue is crucial and time-sensitive. The longer this guidance remains in effect, the more eligible individuals may be wrongfully denied benefits, leading to increased food insecurity in our communities. Additionally, Utah could face growing financial risks the longer we delay joining this legal effort. I urge you to act swiftly and decisively by having Utah join this lawsuit. This action would demonstrate Utah's commitment to protecting its residents, ensuring proper implementation of federal programs, and standing up against potentially unlawful federal actions. It's not just about defending SNAP benefits; it's about upholding the rule of law and protecting our state's interests. This is truly the Utah way – standing up for what's right and looking out for our communities.