New York lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to use the state's surplus funds to cover the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that expired due to the federal government shutdown. The issue has sparked a debate among lawmakers, with some calling for the state to take responsibility for paying the program while others point fingers at Republican leaders in Washington.
The SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to nearly three million New Yorkers, are facing an uncertain future as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to provide a status update on Monday. However, two federal judges have ruled that the benefits should be paid with federal contingency funds, ensuring that low-income families can continue to access grocery stores.
Despite this ruling, lawmakers remain divided over how to proceed. Governor Hochul has stated that the state cannot backfill the program, citing it as a federal responsibility funded by New Yorkers' taxes. However, she has also announced an emergency grant of $106 million to food banks and pantries.
In contrast, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Vermont Governor Phil Scott have taken steps to cover their states' SNAP benefits with their own surplus funds. Meanwhile, state Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas is calling on Governor Hochul to draw from the state's reserve funds to fully fund the program, citing better-than-expected tax collections that could absorb the federal hit.
The calls for action come as lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the need to find a solution to prevent further disruptions in food assistance for vulnerable populations. "We can solve this at least temporarily, more wholeheartedly and more holistically," said state Senator Jake Ashby, who signed a bipartisan letter with Democratic colleagues.
While some lawmakers have pointed fingers at Republican leaders in Washington, others are taking a more collaborative approach. "I think this is an issue worth coming out for in a bipartisan way," said Ashby, highlighting the need for cooperation to address the crisis.
The debate over how to proceed highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Washington and its impact on federal programs like SNAP. As lawmakers continue to negotiate, it remains to be seen whether Governor Hochul will tap into the state's surplus funds to cover the program or if Republicans will come through with a budget measure that addresses the issue.
The SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to nearly three million New Yorkers, are facing an uncertain future as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to provide a status update on Monday. However, two federal judges have ruled that the benefits should be paid with federal contingency funds, ensuring that low-income families can continue to access grocery stores.
Despite this ruling, lawmakers remain divided over how to proceed. Governor Hochul has stated that the state cannot backfill the program, citing it as a federal responsibility funded by New Yorkers' taxes. However, she has also announced an emergency grant of $106 million to food banks and pantries.
In contrast, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Vermont Governor Phil Scott have taken steps to cover their states' SNAP benefits with their own surplus funds. Meanwhile, state Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas is calling on Governor Hochul to draw from the state's reserve funds to fully fund the program, citing better-than-expected tax collections that could absorb the federal hit.
The calls for action come as lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the need to find a solution to prevent further disruptions in food assistance for vulnerable populations. "We can solve this at least temporarily, more wholeheartedly and more holistically," said state Senator Jake Ashby, who signed a bipartisan letter with Democratic colleagues.
While some lawmakers have pointed fingers at Republican leaders in Washington, others are taking a more collaborative approach. "I think this is an issue worth coming out for in a bipartisan way," said Ashby, highlighting the need for cooperation to address the crisis.
The debate over how to proceed highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Washington and its impact on federal programs like SNAP. As lawmakers continue to negotiate, it remains to be seen whether Governor Hochul will tap into the state's surplus funds to cover the program or if Republicans will come through with a budget measure that addresses the issue.
. On one hand, you can't just leave millions of people without access to food because of a shutdown 
. It's not fair to shift the burden solely to state governments or tax payers. But at the same time, Governor Hochul is trying to be responsible with the state's finances 
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. Maybe Governor Hochul can use some of that $106 million for food banks and pantries while still exploring other options? 
It seems like a lot of people in both parties are looking for a solution, so maybe we can actually get something done 
.
think governor hochul is being kinda cool by not using her own money 2 fund snap benefits 
but at the same time, i feel bad 4 those low-income fams who dont know wut they're gonna eat next month 
maybe we cud just have a bipartisan plan 2 help them out? 
that way everyone wins 
And Virginia and Vermont are already helping out with their own surplus funds? That's what I call leadership, in my humble opinion! 
Let Governor Hochul use some of that state surplus to cover the benefits. It's not like we're talking about millions, just a few hundred million. And it could make a big difference for those low-income families who need help putting food on the table. 
Come on, Governor, don't be shy! 
I've been following this story and I gotta say, it's a bit frustrating 
. We're talking about people's lives here - three million New Yorkers who rely on this program to get by 
. What we really need is a long-term solution that doesn't involve finger-pointing 
.
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I'm so concerned about these low-income families who are already struggling to make ends meet 
. We should be working together to find a solution that doesn't leave anyone behind 
. If Governor Hochul can tap into her state's surplus funds, why not? It's only fair that she does what's necessary to keep her constituents fed 
virginia and vermont are getting their act together 
her idea about using the reserve funds makes total sense 
it's all about finding common ground 
the fact that we need to fix this ASAP 
is what matters most 
.
. Can't they just agree on something already? The fact that we're even having this conversation is ridiculous. SNAP benefits expired due to a federal government shutdown, but instead of working together to fix it, everyone's pointing fingers. Hochul cites federal responsibility, while others are all like "we should use our own funds." Give me a break 
, they're already struggling just to put food on the table, and now this? 
We gotta support each other, you know? 
️
We can't just point fingers at Republicans in Washington 
, we gotta work together 
to get the job done.
. We can do better, New York! Let's come together and make a difference 
I think it's kinda messed up that we're having this debate in the first place... Like, shouldn't SNAP benefits just be a fundamental right for ppl who need 'em? 
.
They're actually taking responsibility and helping out instead of just passing the buck. Maybe Hochul should take a page from their book.
. Governor Hochul is bein all responsible, sayin its a federal thing & not wanna backfill w/ state funds, but come on, we got $106 mil goin 2 food banks, thats somethin 
. Hopin Governor Hochul finds a way 2 cover SNAP without makin everyone else pick up the slack 
I'd love to see some bipartisan action on this - it's one of those issues where we can all come together and agree that food assistance is essential. 
.
. How can we work together to find a solution that benefits everyone? 
.
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