States launch lawsuit against Trump administration over impending multibillion-dollar cuts to SNAP food stamps
A coalition of 25 Democratic governors and state attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit challenges the administration’s refusal to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid a government shutdown. The coalition argues that stopping these benefits endangers millions of low-income Americans reliant on this assistance for their basic nutrition.
Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action was filed in Massachusetts, with the states seeking to compel the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate a portion of the $9.2 billion designated for SNAP benefits in November. This funding is crucial as the Trump administration recently announced it would not utilize a $5 billion contingency fund for these benefits.
Impact on Americans
- Approximately 42 million Americans benefit from SNAP.
- Without these funds, millions could experience increased food insecurity.
- The lawsuit highlights potential health deteriorations such as malnutrition and cognitive impairments among affected individuals.
State leaders have expressed that halting SNAP benefits will result in adverse public health conditions. They emphasized that states will eventually incur costs due to these negative health outcomes, which include issues like poor concentration and behavioral problems among children.
States Involved in the Coalition
The lawsuit includes attorneys general and governors from the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Upcoming Court Hearings
The states are requesting an emergency hearing with U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, who is scheduled to hear arguments this week. The urgency of the matter arises from the impending expiration of SNAP benefits starting November 1.
Potential Financial Implications
Fiscal experts estimate the shutdown could cost taxpayers around $400 million daily. Meanwhile, the USDA remains tight-lipped regarding future plans concerning SNAP financing, stating simply that “the well has run dry.”
This lawsuit highlights a pressing concern as millions of Americans stand to lose critical food assistance benefits amid a government impasse. The outcomes of this legal action could significantly impact countless families and shape the future of food assistance programs in the United States.
