Schumer Warns SNAP Cost Shift Could Strain New York Counties

Southern Tier governments could face more than $4.5 million in new yearly costs as federal SNAP funding rules change.

A coming SNAP cost shift could force Southern Tier counties to absorb more than $4.5 million in additional annual expenses, according to estimates released by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and the New York State Association of Counties.

Schumer is calling on Congress to delay the change for two years while lawmakers negotiate a new Farm Bill. He argues that counties need more time to adjust their budgets, hire and train workers, update computer systems and continue helping eligible residents receive food assistance.

The dispute centers on a federal law enacted in 2025 that changes how the government pays the administrative costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.

Beginning with the 2027 federal fiscal year on October 1, 2026, the federal government’s share of most SNAP administrative expenses will fall from 50% to 25%. The change is not optional under the law, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What Is the SNAP Cost Shift?

The SNAP cost shift is a reduction in the federal government’s share of SNAP administrative expenses, from 50% to 25%, beginning October 1, 2026.

SNAP benefits help qualifying households purchase groceries. The federal government funds the benefits, but state and local agencies handle much of the work required to operate the program.

That work includes:

• Processing applications
• Verifying income and eligibility
• Conducting recertifications
• Managing cases
• Handling appeals and fair hearings
• Providing program outreach

New York is one of a limited number of states where counties administer SNAP. Under the state’s current funding structure, counties pay the nonfederal share of those administrative expenses. That means the reduced federal contribution would flow directly onto county and New York City budgets unless the state or Congress provides additional funding.

The New York State Association of Counties estimates that the statewide shift will cost counties and New York City about $168 million annually. Approximately $60 million could affect local budgets during the final three months of 2026 alone.

Southern Tier Counties Could Face a $4.5 Million Bill

Schumer’s office released a county-by-county breakdown based on NYSAC projections. The figures cover 10 counties identified in the release as part of the Southern Tier region.

Together, those counties serve an estimated 85,736 SNAP recipients and distribute more than $200 million in yearly benefits. The projected combined increase in county administrative costs is approximately $4.52 million per year.

Projected Annual Cost Increase by County

The largest projected increases would fall on Broome County, at about $806,649 annually, and Chemung County, at approximately $780,482. Steuben County could face an increase of about $672,625, while Tompkins County’s projected cost is nearly $495,000.

These figures are projections rather than final county appropriations. Actual expenses could vary according to caseloads, staffing, state policy decisions and federal implementation rules.

Schumer Calls for a Two-Year Delay

Schumer said he will not support a Farm Bill that fails to provide states and counties with more time to prepare for the new funding structure.

“This plan will immediately blow a $4.5 million hole in Southern Tier county budgets,” Schumer said, arguing that counties could be forced to choose between higher local taxes, reduced services or less effective administration of food assistance.

The senator is urging New York’s Republican House members to join Democrats in supporting a two-year delay.

NYSAC is making a similar request. The organization says counties need time to budget for the change, train employees, update eligibility systems and prepare for new federal requirements. It describes the proposed delay as additional preparation time rather than an attempt to avoid accountability.

County associations, governors, mayors and state lawmakers from around the country have also raised concerns about shifting SNAP expenses onto state and local governments, according to organizations cited by Schumer’s office.

Local Officials Warn of Difficult Budget Choices

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the county’s priority is ensuring that eligible families, seniors and veterans continue to receive assistance.

“We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for his efforts to help counties navigate these changes and provide additional time to prepare,” Garnar said.

Tompkins County Legislature Chair Shawna Black warned that many households are already living paycheck to paycheck. She said reducing support or placing more costs on local governments could deepen the pressure on vulnerable residents and county budgets.

Mark Bordeau, president and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, said food banks are already responding to heavy demand. He warned that counties are being asked to manage new expenses while also dealing with staffing shortages and tight budgets.

“Food security is not a partisan issue,” Bordeau said. “We urge members of Congress to work together to delay the SNAP administrative cost shift.”

The Law Includes More Than Administrative Changes

The 2025 reconciliation law made several changes to SNAP beyond administrative funding.

The Congressional Budget Office said the law expanded work requirements, limited some state waivers, changed eligibility rules and adjusted how some benefit amounts are calculated. It also created future requirements for certain states to pay part of SNAP benefit expenses when their payment error rates exceed federal thresholds.

CBO estimates that all of the law’s SNAP changes will reduce federal deficits by approximately $187 billion between 2025 and 2034 compared with its earlier baseline projections. Those savings represent lower federal spending, but some expenses would be transferred to state and local governments.

Supporters of the law say stricter eligibility reviews, work rules and state accountability measures can improve program integrity and reduce federal spending.

Critics argue that the changes could remove assistance from eligible households, increase paperwork and place costs on states and counties that may have limited ability to absorb them.

Could Counties Raise Property Taxes?

A county tax increase is possible, but it is not automatic.

Counties could respond to the SNAP cost shift in several ways:

1. Use reserve funds.
2. Reduce spending in other departments.
3. Delay hiring or leave positions unfilled.
4. Seek additional funding from New York state.
5. Raise property taxes within applicable limits.
6. Reduce or reorganize SNAP administrative services.

NYSAC warns that counties already face staffing shortages, state mandates, rising service demands and New York’s property-tax cap. Those pressures may limit their options.

However, each county will make its own budget decisions. It would be inaccurate to say that the federal change guarantees a particular tax increase.

What Happens Next?

The administrative funding change is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, unless Congress changes the law or delays its implementation.

USDA is moving forward with rules to implement the reduction in federal reimbursement. Its guidance states clearly that the reimbursement rate will fall to 25% and that the provision cannot be waived administratively.

Schumer is attempting to connect the request for a two-year delay to Farm Bill negotiations. The Farm Bill governs agricultural programs, rural development, conservation and major nutrition programs, including SNAP.

Whether lawmakers will agree to a delay remains uncertain.

Why This Debate Matters Beyond the Southern Tier

SNAP is often discussed as a benefit for individual households, but it also has a major role in county government operations and local food systems.

When applications are delayed or eligible residents lose access, food pantries and community organizations may experience increased demand. NYSAC reports that SNAP supplies far more meals nationally than charitable food programs can provide on their own.

The central question is not only whether Washington should spend less. It is also who will pay for operating the program and whether local governments have the resources to manage the transition without disrupting service.

For Southern Tier residents, that debate could affect county taxes, social-service staffing and the speed at which families receive help.

Conclusion

The federal SNAP cost shift is real and scheduled to begin October 1, 2026. USDA has confirmed that the federal share of most administrative costs will decline from 50% to 25%.

The projected $4.52 million Southern Tier impact, however, comes from NYSAC estimates promoted by Schumer’s office. It is not yet a final bill sent to the counties.

Congress now faces a choice: allow the change to proceed on schedule or approve additional time and funding for states and counties.

Residents should follow upcoming county budget hearings, ask local officials how they plan to cover the new expenses and contact their congressional representatives to express their views on the proposed two-year delay.

Sources

• Office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Congressional Budget Office
• New York State Association of Counties