Wichita Standard

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes and Representative Tracey Mann, both Republicans from Kansas, have sent a letter to Governor Laura Kelly urging her administration to address concerns over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Kansas. The action follows recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicating that Kansas had an error rate in SNAP payments of nearly ten percent, resulting in millions of taxpayer dollars being distributed to individuals who were not eligible for the program.

“By refusing to correct the SNAP error rate in Kansas, Governor Kelly has allowed millions of Kansas taxpayer dollars to be incorrectly sent to fraudsters, negatively impacting Kansans who rely on the program,” said Rep. Estes. “Today we are demanding Governor Kelly work with the USDA to strengthen the SNAP program in Kansas and correct the waste of our constituents’ hard-earned dollars.”

Rep. Mann added, "Kansans work hard for every dollar they earn, and they expect their government to be a good steward of their tax dollars. Rather than working with the federal government to correct Kansas’ high SNAP error rate, Governor Kelly’s administration has refused to comply or even attempt to restore integrity in how our state tax dollars are spent in the program. Every instance of fraud or overpayment through the SNAP program is money taken from vulnerable families in our state who rely on this assistance to meet their nutritional needs. Kansans deserve a system that protects taxpayer dollars and serves the people it was designed to help."

The letter points out that a subsequent investigation by the Kansas House Select Committee on Government Oversight found that by spring 2025, the error rate had risen close to twelve percent. The representatives argue these figures mean significant amounts are being misallocated away from those most in need.

The letter also references communication from former Secretary Vilsack and requirements set during both previous and current presidential administrations for states like Kansas to securely share SNAP data with USDA as part of efforts against waste and abuse.

Estes has represented Kansas' 4th congressional district since 2017 after succeeding Mike Pompeo.

In closing their letter, Estes and Mann wrote: "We demand that your administration drop its intentional obstruction of these efforts and work cooperatively with USDA to strengthen the SNAP program in Kansas. Rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse is critical as the SNAP program moves toward a deeper partnership between the state and federal government. Our constituents deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar spent on SNAP; anything less is a disservice to our communities and our state."