Legal Battle Brewing Over SNAP Funding In New York

🔸 Nearly 3 million New Yorkers may not receive SNAP benefits in November
🔸 New York State is suing the Trump Administration over SNAP
🔸 This would make the first time in history that SNAP was not funded during a shutdown

As the federal government continues, New York is stepping up to help almost 3 million residents who are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits. Republicans' 'One Big Beautiful Bill" Act is anticipated to strip more than 300,000 New Yorkers of their SNAP benefits. On top of that, the federal government is using crucial SNAP assistance as a political pawn in its budget crisis.

With Republicans controlling all three branches of government, one would hope that they would take the lead in negotiating with other lawmakers to pass a budget and end the shutdown. Trump famously said, “If there is a shutdown, I think it would be a tremendously negative mark on the president of the United States.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. gave Argentina $20 billion, but it can't feed Americans.

KEEP READING: Thanksgiving Canceled For Millions Of New York Families?

Lawmakers are at an impasse because Democrats want to ensure that there are funds in the budget for extra Affordable Care Act subsidies, which will expire on December 31 and leave 24 million Americans with potentially unaffordable healthcare premiums. These subsidies help make healthcare affordable for New Yorkers, particularly those in rural areas. According to the New York Times, the people who benefit most from these subsidies are in areas that voted for Trump. If the subsidies are allowed to expire, people will see their monthly healthcare premiums increase. Without the extra funds, 140,000 New Yorkers face an almost 40 percent increase in their healthcare premiums.

Meanwhile, the Republican-run USDA is refusing to release funds that are already in place to provide SNAP benefits. Never in the history of America have SNAP benefits not been released during a government shutdown, but the federal government is holding the funds hostage, putting lives at risk.

New York State Has Filed A Lawsuit To Release SNAP Funds

KEEP READING: 9 New York Counties With The Most People On SNAP

New York State's Attorney General is fighting to ensure that children, the elderly, and the disabled are not punished due to political games. More than 42 million Americans will face a food crisis due to the federal government's inability to govern. NY AG Letitia James is part of a 24-state coalition suing the Trump administration to force them to release the funds, which are available even though the government is shut down. The Republican-run USDA has access to billions of dollars in emergency funds designated to keep SNAP flowing, even during shutdowns. AG James says,

“Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide. SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running. There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”

KEEP READING: 9 New York Counties With The Most People On SNAP

In addition, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $30 million in State funds will be provided to support over 16 million meals. Thankfully, now that New York public schools offer free meals, the children won't starve due to the federal government's inability to govern. As a taxpayer, I support my money being used to help feed my fellow New Yorkers who may otherwise go hungry. Hopefully, Republicans can step up and lead negotiations to reopen the government.

Get our free mobile app