Senate Republicans opposed newly passed legislation that expands access to SNAP (food stamp) benefits for college students, warning it creates a backdoor way to end the work requirement for college students. 

Senate Bill 1298 reclassifies all programs at public colleges as equivalent to SNAP Employment and Training programs, beginning March 1, 2028. This change would allow students enrolled in those programs to qualify for SNAP benefits, even if their course of study isn’t directly tied to immediate employment. 

Senate Republicans argue the move overextends SNAP’s original intent, increases state spending without a funding mechanism, and imposes new reporting burdens on universities and state agencies. The bill also requires annual data collection and publication, adding layers of bureaucracy and cost. 

At a time when Illinois faces ongoing budget pressures, Republican lawmakers believe the state should prioritize fiscal responsibility and targeted support tied to actual job training, not broadened entitlements.