The California State Senate on May 5 adopted Senate Joint Resolution 3 urging Congress not to enact cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The chamber approved the resolution unanimously (Ayes 38, Noes 0).

Senator Adeghin, chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services, presented the resolution, citing state-level data that showed rising food insecurity and increased demand at food banks. Senators noted that CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) serves millions of Californians and that food banks supply only a fraction of meals compared with CalFresh benefits.

Why it matters: Speakers said proposed federal SNAP cuts would increase hunger, harm vulnerable groups including seniors and children, and reduce economic activity that supports farmers and local businesses. Floor remarks cited that roughly 5.5 million Californians use CalFresh, with rising caseloads and disproportionate impacts on certain demographic groups.

Details from debate: Senator Weber Pearson (co‑author) cited U.S. Census data indicating 22% of California households and 27% of households with children face food insecurity; she said CalFresh caseloads have increased 60% since 2019 and that every $1 in SNAP benefits generates roughly $1.50–$1.80 in local economic activity, citing USDA figures. Senator McNerney (San Joaquin County) and others described local food‑bank demand spikes and the program’s role in preventing deeper poverty.

Outcome: SJR 3 was adopted by unanimous roll call. The resolution urges Congress to avoid cuts and affirms the Senate’s support for SNAP and CalFresh as tools to address hunger and support state agriculture and local economies.