Feds sue Minnesota over SNAP data

The federal government is suing Minnesota and three other states for failing to hand over requested data about people who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is seeking the data to check for fraud and waste within the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, the agency that oversees SNAP. 

In a statement, the Minnesota DCYF said, “USDA’s demand for this volume of data is unprecedented, threatens the privacy of millions of families and ignores long-standing restrictions on the use and re-disclosure of SNAP data.” 

Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai (Ward 10) announced Monday that she is taking a one month leave of absence to seek treatment for anxiety and depression, reports KARE 11. “Like 23% of American adults, I also work everyday to manage my mental health. I have ignored my own need for more help for too long,” she said in a statement. 

Chughtai, vice president and chair of the budget committee, expects to miss the Council’s July 16 meeting. Her staff will continue to work regular hours, she said.

A Polk County judge ruled in favor of Fosston, Minn., about 45 miles northwest of Bemidji, in the town’s ongoing fight to retake control of its local hospital from Duluth-based Essentia Health. According to MPR News, Fosston area residents argue that Essentia has failed to meet the community’s health care needs, including ending labor and delivery services. 

Essentia argues that the city cannot terminate its relationship with the hospital system at will. The judge’s ruling allows the fight to move to arbitration.

Katy Kozhimannil, a University of Minnesota public health professor, told MPR News that the case will be watched closely because it represents a growing trend of rural communities standing up to larger interests.

Storms tore across northern Minnesota on Monday, leaving thousands without power and causing extensive damage ahead of Bemidji’s 82nd Annual Water Carnival scheduled for July 1-5, according to KAXE. Bemidji Jaycees President Larissa Donovan said the carnival will go on with help from local partners. “It’s just incredible how many people stepped up in our hour of need,” she said.

The post Feds sue Minnesota over SNAP data appeared first on MinnPost.