Michigan Legislators Propose State-Funded Solution to Federal SNAP Suspension
As the federal government shutdown looms, Michigan lawmakers have introduced a series of bills aimed at maintaining food assistance payments through state funding. The initiative seeks to allocate over $600 million to ensure the continuation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the upcoming month.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed states to halt these payments from November, prompting state Democratic leaders to take action. Representative Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) emphasized the widespread reliance on SNAP, stating that approximately 1.4 million Michiganders depend on these benefits, according to the state health department.
“Every one of us that have the honor and privilege to serve here has SNAP recipients in our district. And so, we have the moral obligation to do what’s in the best interest of our people,” Myers Phillips explained.
The proposed legislation, however, faces potential challenges in the Republican-controlled state House of Representatives. As of Tuesday, House Republicans have yet to provide a statement on the matter, and the bills have not been officially introduced in the chamber.
The funding strategy involves reallocating lapsed project funds to offset the federal shortfall, as noted in a press release from House Democrats. State Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) expressed confidence in the state’s capability to temporarily cover the costs, citing the $2 billion available in the rainy day fund.
“There’s $2 billion in the rainy day fund. I don’t know what kind of rainy day you’ve seen. But if people can’t eat, that’s a pretty damn rainy day,” Coffia remarked to reporters.
Additionally, Michigan Democrats are urging the USDA to deploy emergency funds to sustain SNAP payments, aiming to minimize state intervention. Recently, Michigan’s Democratic House Congressional delegation addressed a letter to the USDA advocating for this course of action. Furthermore, several Democratic state attorneys general, including Michigan’s, are pursuing legal action against the federal government over the suspension of benefits.
In anticipation of increased demand, the Democratic-led bills also propose a $25 million allocation to support food banks and pantries across the state. These organizations are currently grappling with uncertainty due to limited federal guidance and potential state aid. O’Nealya Gronstal of Lakeshore Food Club, serving Mason and Oceana Counties, voiced concerns over the SNAP payment freeze potentially overwhelming the charitable food system.
“We are not prepared. We do not have the infrastructure in place. We don’t even have enough food in our warehouse to meet the need on Sunday if the benefits are closed on Saturday,” Gronstal stated.
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