Thanksgiving Canceled For Millions Of New York Families?

🔸 24 million Americans face increases in their healthcare premiums if the GOP passes its budget, as is
🔸 SNAP benefits are at risk beginning Nov. 1, putting Thanksgiving in jeopardy
🔸 Gov. Hochul is fast-tracking $30 million to ensure New Yorkers don't go hungry

The federal government shutdown has been going on for 28 days, as of today, October 28, 2025. It is the second longest shutdown in the history of the United Staes. The shutdown isn't just affecting federal employees, who have been working without pay, it has wide-reaching implications. The federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025, due to Congress's inability to pass a budget.

Democrats are fighting to make sure that healthcare costs do not increase exponentially for 24 million Americans. One of the reasons lawmakers are at an impasse is due to the extra Affordable Care Act subsidies, which will expire on December 31. These subsidies help make New Yorkers' healthcare affordable. 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 health care premiums.

Republicans control all three branches of government, so hopefully they will take the lead in working with other lawmakers to pass a budget. Trump once said, “If there is a shutdown, I think it would be a tremendously negative mark on the president of the United States.” Both of the longest shutdowns in American history have happened under his presidency.

Gov. Hochul Makes $30 Million In Food Aid Available During Shutdown

KEEP READING: Can SNAP Benefits Be Used For Small Business Ventures In New York?

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state is stepping in to make sure New Yorkers in need don't go hungry during the federal government shutdown. With almost 2.9 million New Yorkers at risk of losing their SNAP benefits, there is a lot at stake. With November quickly approaching and no sign that the GOP is willing to compromise to protect Americans healthcare and SNAP benefits, Gov. Hochul is fast-tracking monies to make sure New York families don't go hungry. The elderly, children, the disabled, and working poor New Yorkers should not have to suffer, especially during Thanksgiving, because the federal government is failing to govern.

Gov. Hochul announced that $30 million in State funds will be provided to support over 16 million meals. As of now, the Republican-run USDA refuses to release SNAP funding for November, which would the first time in U.S. history that a federal administration has withheld food assistance during a government shutdown. Gov. Hochul said,

“I am doing everything in my power to soften the blow of the destruction Republicans in Washington are inflicting on our state. While I’ve said repeatedly that no state can backfill these devastating cuts, I am committed to ensuring New Yorkers do not go hungry this holiday season and am taking action to support the families suffering the consequences of Republicans' cruelty. Republicans in Congress voted to rip health care and vital services from millions of New Yorkers and my administration and the people of New York will continue holding them accountable.”

Credit: Governor Kathy Hochul via Youtube

Keep Reading: 9 New York Counties With The Most People On SNAP

SNAP recipients in New York will be notified of any updates by November 1. If you have been personally affected by the shutdown, you can share your story here.

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