New York lawmakers urge Governor Hochul to cover food stamp benefits using state surplus funds as federal aid teeters on the brink of collapse due to government shutdown.
The US Department of Agriculture's decision not to refill SNAP benefit cards has left nearly three million New Yorkers without assistance, with many struggling to access basic necessities like groceries. However, a recent court ruling ordered the federal contingency fund to be used for the payment of these benefits, at least temporarily relieving pressure on Governor Hochul.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have weighed in, calling for Hochul to step up and cover the shortfall using state surplus funds. While some argue that the state should use its reserves, others point fingers at Republicans in Washington, blaming them for not taking responsibility for funding the program.
Governor Hochul has refused to backfill the gap, stating that it is a federal responsibility funded by New Yorkers' taxes. However, her stance has been met with opposition from lawmakers and progressive groups who argue that there is enough money in state reserve funds and higher-than-expected tax collections to absorb the federal hit.
As the situation unfolds, some states have announced plans to pay SNAP recipients using their own surplus funds. For instance, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched a new program to provide weekly payments to recipients, while Vermont Governor Phil Scott has pledged to fund benefits for 15 days.
In New York, lawmakers have penned letters to Hochul, including one signed by over 250 labor and progressive groups, calling on her to use state funds to ensure that those who depend on SNAP can continue to access essential food assistance. Despite the criticism, some Republicans, like State Senator Jake Ashby, are embracing the bipartisan approach, saying it's an issue worth working together on.
However, the impasse in Congress continues, with Democrats refusing to vote for a continuing resolution unless Republicans extend health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. As the holiday season approaches, many New Yorkers are left wondering if they will have access to the food assistance they need.
The US Department of Agriculture's decision not to refill SNAP benefit cards has left nearly three million New Yorkers without assistance, with many struggling to access basic necessities like groceries. However, a recent court ruling ordered the federal contingency fund to be used for the payment of these benefits, at least temporarily relieving pressure on Governor Hochul.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have weighed in, calling for Hochul to step up and cover the shortfall using state surplus funds. While some argue that the state should use its reserves, others point fingers at Republicans in Washington, blaming them for not taking responsibility for funding the program.
Governor Hochul has refused to backfill the gap, stating that it is a federal responsibility funded by New Yorkers' taxes. However, her stance has been met with opposition from lawmakers and progressive groups who argue that there is enough money in state reserve funds and higher-than-expected tax collections to absorb the federal hit.
As the situation unfolds, some states have announced plans to pay SNAP recipients using their own surplus funds. For instance, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched a new program to provide weekly payments to recipients, while Vermont Governor Phil Scott has pledged to fund benefits for 15 days.
In New York, lawmakers have penned letters to Hochul, including one signed by over 250 labor and progressive groups, calling on her to use state funds to ensure that those who depend on SNAP can continue to access essential food assistance. Despite the criticism, some Republicans, like State Senator Jake Ashby, are embracing the bipartisan approach, saying it's an issue worth working together on.
However, the impasse in Congress continues, with Democrats refusing to vote for a continuing resolution unless Republicans extend health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. As the holiday season approaches, many New Yorkers are left wondering if they will have access to the food assistance they need.
to think that nearly 3 mil ppl in nyr are struggling cuz fed funds for snap are all but gone ... like how can gov Hochul just say no to helpin out her own ppl? 
she's talkin about it bein a federal responsibility, but thats not true... its a state thing too! nvr mind the fact that republicans in washington r gettin slammed for not doin their part. i mean whats the diff if gov Hochul just uses some of nyrs tax $$$ to fill the gap? 
at least then ppl would know theyre gettin help from their own gov, rather than just waitin around 4 federal aid thats prob never comin.
The government shutdown is just another excuse for everyone else to get together and argue while people are struggling to put food on their tables. I'm sure it's all about responsibility... or lack thereof. Those states that decided to use their own funds? Like they didn't have enough money stashed away for a rainy day. And why is it always up to the Governor, btw? Can't she just make a decision like everyone else in Washington? 
this whole thing just feels like a big mess, you know? Everyone's pointing fingers and not really offering any concrete solutions 
governor hochul is being super strict about it, but at the same time, lawmakers are trying to convince her that she should use state funds to cover the shortfall. i mean, i get where she's coming from, but like, doesn't that just perpetuate the whole federal responsibility thing? 
on the other hand, states like virginia and vermont are taking matters into their own hands and providing assistance to recipients, which is kinda cool 
. what really gets me is how the holiday season is approaching and people are still wondering if they'll have access to food assistance 
This is like a never-ending game of musical chairs... except instead of chairs, it's SNAP benefits 
But seriously, Governors in other states are doing their part to help out. Virginia and Vermont are showing us that even in a time of uncertainty, we can still find ways to support each other 
. Maybe New York should just borrow from the 'state surplus' that's growing at an alarming rate... I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned cash infusion 
.
nearly 3 mil new yorkers r strugglin to get basic necessities & the gov shutdown is just makin it worse 
they gotta use state funds tho cuz the federal aid is basically non existent rn 
meanwhile republicans are like 'hey bipartisan lets work together' 
. The fact that Democrats won't vote for a continuing resolution unless Republicans extend health insurance subsidies just adds more chaos to the situation. It's gonna be tough on people who rely on SNAP during the holidays.
i cant believe people r struggling 2 get basic necessities like groceries in ny 
but on a positive note lets send love n support 2 our gov Hochul & those advocating 4 state funds lol she might finally come around 
meanwhile lets keep it movin & make sure everyone has access 2 food assistance 
It's not just about politics, it's people's lives on the line here 
. And what's really frustrating is that nobody seems to be taking ownership of this issue, instead of blaming each other 
. Can we please just work together and find a solution for these families? 
. I'm all for bipartisan support - it's like, we're all human beings here, right? 
. Meanwhile, people who really need help are getting left behind. The fact that some states like Virginia and Vermont are stepping up to pay SNAP benefits using their own funds just highlights the inadequacy of Hochul's stance 
.
! There's enough money in those state reserves to cover this gap. And what about all the progressive groups and labor unions calling out for action? Don't they count for anything? 
The fact that NY state's just sittin there, refusin 2 cover the shortfall, is straight up whack 
Maybe NY should take a page from their book? 
. Governor Hochul's stance is kinda unfair tho, imo #SNAPmatters. It feels like everyone's finger pointin' at each other - Republicans in Washington & state lawmakers. We need a solution ASAP! 
#NYCares #FoodAssistanceMatters