Government Shutdown Threatens Essential Food and Fuel Aid for Low-Income Vermonters
Over 63,000 low-income Vermonters might lose federal food assistance if the government shutdown continues beyond October. This potential loss is due to insufficient funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution by the end of the month, as communicated by the Trump administration to state officials.
Impact on Essential Food and Fuel Aid
Vermont’s Legislature allocated approximately $100 million in May to potentially cover federal funding shortfalls. However, Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson informed lawmakers that utilizing these reserves might be unfeasible. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated a possible temporary shutdown of the system that deposits funds on SNAP recipients’ electronic benefits cards (EBT).
Challenges with EBT Functionality
Without federal data release to a national vendor, EBT cards will not work in retail settings. As such, Vermont residents may face challenges using SNAP benefits beginning November 1. Samuelson emphasized the difficulty in obtaining federal clarification to determine the state’s intervention capacity.
Other Programs Affected
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Vermont awaits $22.5 million in federal funds.
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families: $4 million needed to continue the Reach Up program and others.
Administration Secretary Sarah Clark highlighted the uncertainties faced during the 16th day of the federal shutdown, expressing concerns over federal reimbursements for state funds used in the interim.
Contingency Plans and Legislative Responses
Lawmakers have urged Samuelson to share contingency plans from Governor Phil Scott’s administration to address potential halts in food and fuel assistance. Samuelson noted these plans are still under development. Nevertheless, lawmakers seem inclined to tap into state funding to offset some funding disruptions.
State Senator Andrew Perchlik voiced alarm over a “nightmare scenario” where SNAP beneficiaries discover, on November 1, their benefits are suspended. He also articulated concerns about the lack of heating assistance, crucial for low-income families preparing for winter.
Perchlik highlighted the urgent need for utilizing reserve funds to prevent scenarios like frozen pipes leading to uninhabitable homes. He proposed convening the Emergency Board, consisting of four lawmakers and the governor, to decide on allocating these reserves. He plans to reach out to Emergency Board members to call a meeting within two weeks to address these pressing issues.
