On Friday, Governor Tony Evers officially declared a state of emergency as the government shutdown entered one month and SNAP benefits have lapsed.
The Department of Agriculture announced that it will not be funding SNAP programs after the October 31st deadline because of the government shutdown. The lack of funding affects Wisconsin’s 100% federally backed “FoodShare” program, and will affect over 700,000 Wisconsinites enrolled in the program. (RELATED: Wisconsin Bill Proposes Speed Limiter Devices for Repeat Reckless Drivers)
“We are closely monitoring multiple lawsuits seeking to force the federal government to use emergency funds to get FoodShare members their November benefits. According to the decisions today made by federal judges, the federal government likely must pay for at least partial November FoodShare benefits during the government shutdown. November FoodShare benefits will continue to be delayed at this time as the court case continues.” said the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
In a press release from the Governor’s office, they stipulated the governor of Wisconsin does not have the power to appropriate funding by executive order or unilateral mechanisms that would continue funding FoodShare benefits or other resources to food pantries. A special spending bill would need to be passed through both state legislatures.
Governor Evers pins the blame on Republicans in the release: “Wisconsinites and Americans across the country are now scrambling, trying to figure out how to feed their families. There’s no excuse for it, and this is a direct result of Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration, who’ve done nothing to help.”
Republicans have proposed the garden variety continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding for a short period of time before a new spending bill can be worked out. Senate Republicans and Speaker Johnson have mentioned that the democrats are making irrational demands and keeping the government closed. Of those demands, is giving $200 million of health care to illegal aliens. (RELATED: The Milwaukee Hop Comes Under Fire After Accident Shuts It Down)