Food Stamp Reform

This paper analyzes three bills to reform the food stamp program: S.2451, sponsored by Senators McGovern and Dole; S.2537, the Administration's proposal; and S.1993, sponsored by Senator Buckley. The most important provisions of these reform bills are summarized and evaluated, emphasizing proposed income maximums for eligibility and changes in benefit levels. Then the impacts of each bill on selected aspects of program structure are simulated, using Current Population Survey data for 1974. The Administration bill is found to have the smallest total subsidy cost, while maintaining the existing program's poverty reduction effect. The Buckley bill would boost that antipoverty effect by restricting eligibility to the prestamp poor and by increasing their benefits. Relative to the existing program, the McGovern-Dole bill offers the greatest savings in administrative costs.