Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says a court case will determine the release of Kansans SNAP data

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly tells us that a court case in California could determine whether or not she decides to hand over private SNAP data to the federal government.

The U.S Department of Agriculture has asked all states for the private information of those who receive food stamps. However, Governor Kelly has not complied, despite the U.S.D.A threatening to remove $10 million in federal funding.

Currently, several states are in the midst of a huge legal battle with the U.S.D.A. They say that the federal government’s request for SNAP data is illegal, and unconstitutional.

Last week, a California judge temporarily blocked the U.S.D.A from removing SNAP funding from the states involved in the lawsuit.

While Kansas is not listed in this lawsuit, Governor Kelly believes the result of the case will determine what the sunflower state will do with it’s SNAP data.

“What they want from us right now is prohibited by law,” Governor Kelly said. “The court case in California, if they rule that we’ve got to give this information, that it’s legal to do that, then we will do it. Until that time we’re going to stick by the law as it’s always been interpreted right now.”

However, Kansas U.S Representative Derek Schmidt contends, handing over the data would help ensure the program is operating the way it should.

“We want these programs, including the SNAP program, to run efficiently and effectively,” Schmidt said. “We want benefits delivered to the people who are in fact entitled to them in a way that’s reliable predictable and helpful, but you don’t want to give a benefit to anyone who is not entitled to it.”

The U.S.D.A intends to remove more than $10 million in SNAP funding, and the state has 10 days to appeal this decision.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.