AG Brown joins 21 state coalition suing USDA for demanding personal information from Washington residents

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has launched a lawsuit alongside 21 states against the USDA for its demands for personal information from SNAP applicants. This action follows a separate lawsuit filed against Fidelity Information Services for failing to deliver SNAP benefits payments as contracted. SNAP, a federally funded program, provides essential food assistance to millions of low-income families, relying on the confidentiality of applicants' data. The USDA's threats to withhold administrative funding could critically impact Washington, which receives about $129. 5 million yearly for SNAP administration.

Ferguson condemned the Trump administration's actions as illegal and damaging to community privacy and well-being. The coalition aims to protect Washington residents from further federal overreach. Historical context shows that SNAP has long been a lifeline for families in need, making these legal actions crucial. The outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents for the protection of personal information in federal assistance programs.