Gov Tony Evers Urges Action as Food Assistance Set to End in 9 Days Without Federal Support
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week, Wisconsin faces a critical situation regarding food assistance. Governor Tony Evers has expressed urgent concerns that funding for the state’s FoodShare program could cease in just nine days without immediate federal intervention.
Wisconsin’s FoodShare Program at Risk
FoodShare, part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides crucial support to low-income residents. Approximately 700,000 individuals in Wisconsin depend on this program for their food security. If the government does not act quickly, these residents risk losing essential benefits.
Governor Evers’ Plea for Federal Support
In a letter addressed to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Governor Evers appealed for temporary funding to bridge the gap during the ongoing government shutdown. He highlighted that the state requires about $114 million monthly to sustain FoodShare operations.
- Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites may be affected.
- FoodShare funding is projected to run out in nine days.
- The average monthly benefit for a Wisconsin household is approximately $161.
In his letter, Evers emphasized the urgency of the situation. He urged the USDA to utilize all available legal options to ensure continuity in SNAP benefits for vulnerable populations, including families, veterans, and seniors.
Political Stalemate Fueling Uncertainty
The shutdown, now in its 22nd day, has resulted from a deadlock between congressional Democrats and Republicans. Recently, House Republicans proposed a continuing resolution aimed at reopening the government but faced opposition in the Senate due to disagreements over provisions addressing Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Amid this political standoff, Evers’ administration is advocating for immediate measures to secure SNAP benefits through the end of November. Britt Cudaback, a spokesperson for Evers, noted the ongoing efforts to persuade the Trump Administration to act swiftly.
Future Steps Required
Governor Evers indicated that he would require legislative approval to use any budget surplus funds to address the potential funding gap for November’s FoodShare benefits. He remains firm that it is ultimately the federal government’s responsibility to ensure program funding.
As discussions continue in Congress, Wisconsin’s lawmakers are under pressure. Various state Republican leaders have attributed the funding issues to the opposition from Democratic lawmakers, complicating the path forward for resolving the state’s food security crisis.
The stakes are high. If no action is taken soon, thousands of Wisconsin residents could be left without vital food assistance, underscoring the urgent need for federal lawmakers to prioritize this essential support.
