Trump’s Government Shutdown is Delaying Wisconsinites’ FoodShare Benefits
Eau Claire, Wis. — Today, SNAP recipients, community advocates, and elected officials gathered in Eau Claire to call on Congressional Republicans to stop cuts to food assistance, permanently extend health care tax credits, and end the ongoing federal government shutdown before funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is depleted on November 1. Speakers stressed the consequences of the shutdown, including delayed FoodShare benefits, economic strain on small businesses, and increased pressure on local food pantries and community aid organizations
Representative Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) said:
“Nearly 700,000 of our neighbors in Wisconsin rely on SNAP to put food on the table. If this shutdown continues, our grocery stores could lose more than $113 million a month, and for many small towns, that could mean losing their only grocery store. This is about our neighbors and our communities, and making sure families can get the groceries they need.
“Wisconsinites always show up when help is needed, and I’m asking us to do it again. Volunteer. Donate. Check on a neighbor. So many of us have needed help before, and any one of us could need it tomorrow. Let’s stand in the gap for each other while Washington finds a way forward.”
Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) said:
“It’s a real shame that while thousands of Wisconsin families wonder how they’ll put food on the table, President Trump is spending $300 million on a new White House ballroom. Instead of feeding egos in Washington, we should be feeding families here at home.”
Representative Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) added:
“Public leaders should never ask: What necessities can we sacrifice to pay for our loyalty to Trump? We should ask: Where can we find the resources to meet people’s most urgent needs? The Trump Republicans who control the federal government have abandoned their responsibility to local children and adults alike by letting this shutdown go on.
“ As Chippewa Valley Democrats, we stand united to keep food banks stocked, connect you to food assistance, and protect our community from hunger — and we thank all those who are working hard to make sure food remains available.”
