Wisconsin Governor Evers Vetoes Bill to Share SNAP Recipient Data

Evers cites concerns over data security and legality of federal request for personal information.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:43pm

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A dimly lit government office desk with a lone chair, the surface reflecting a soft, warm glow from a window, conceptually illustrating the tension between state and federal control over social welfare data.The governor's veto of a data-sharing bill reflects the delicate balance between government transparency and protecting the privacy of low-income individuals.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a bill that would have required the state to turn over personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to the federal government. Evers cited concerns about data security and the lawfulness of the Trump administration's demand for the information, which federal officials said was needed to "strengthen the accountability and integrity" of the SNAP program.

Why it matters

This veto highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal governments over data privacy and the balance between program integrity and protecting the personal information of low-income individuals receiving government assistance. It also reflects the political dynamics around the SNAP program, which has been a target of reform efforts by some conservative lawmakers.

The details

The bill would have required Wisconsin's Department of Health Services to share SNAP recipients' names, addresses, phone numbers, and other personal data with the federal government. Evers rejected the legislation, stating that he had "significant concerns" about the data security implications and the legality of the Trump administration's request for the information.

  • The Wisconsin state legislature passed the bill in early April 2026.
  • Governor Evers vetoed the bill on April 9, 2026.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who vetoed the bill to share SNAP recipient data with the federal government.

Trump administration

The previous federal administration that had requested the personal information of SNAP recipients from the state of Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Wisconsin state legislature may attempt to override Governor Evers' veto, but would need a two-thirds majority vote to do so.

The takeaway

This veto highlights the ongoing debate over data privacy and government transparency, as states seek to balance program integrity with protecting the personal information of low-income individuals receiving public assistance.