News Summary
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency due to potential disruptions in SNAP benefits, affecting 800,000 residents as the federal government shutdown looms. Without congressional action by the end of the month, funding for SNAP, which provides crucial food assistance to low-income families, could cease. State lawmakers are exploring solutions to ensure benefits continue, highlighting the urgency of protecting vulnerable populations during this financial crisis.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency to address potential disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which could be suspended on November 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This situation affects nearly 800,000 residents in the state who rely on SNAP for food assistance.
If Congress fails to approve a funding bill before the end of the month, SNAP will run out of federal funding, leaving numerous low-income families without crucial food support. In response, the Governor’s declaration highlights the urgency of ensuring that vulnerable populations, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, do not go hungry.
Louisiana receives approximately $150 million monthly for SNAP benefits, making the stakes significant for both lawmakers and those depending on this food assistance program. House Speaker Philip DeVillier, a Republican from Eunice, stated that he is sponsoring a resolution aimed at urging the Landry administration to find a solution to ensure SNAP benefits are paid out in November. One proposed approach is for the Louisiana Department of Health to repurpose its existing funds.
In a bid to secure necessary funding, the Louisiana House has passed a resolution that allows state funds to be allocated for SNAP benefits until the federal shutdown is resolved. Speaker DeVillier has indicated that he is prepared to utilize up to $150 million from the state’s Revenue Stabilization Fund if necessary to maintain SNAP benefits during this period.
However, there remains uncertainty regarding whether the federal government will reimburse Louisiana for the state funds used to support SNAP during the shutdown. The ongoing government impasse, often referred to as the “Schumer Shutdown,” is centered around political disagreements, with Republican leaders attributing responsibility to Democrats for failing to vote on government funding extensions. Conversely, Democrats argue that Republicans have further complicated the negotiations by denying discussions over health care subsidies that might impact insurance premiums.
The shutdown not only disrupts SNAP benefits but also has broader implications nationwide, impacting furloughed federal workers and the closure of national parks. In Louisiana, state legislators are working diligently to ensure that essential food assistance continues for those who need it most.
Current reports indicate that more than 793,000 residents in Louisiana, accounting for approximately 17% of the state’s population, depend on SNAP for food support. To navigate the state’s challenges, officials plan to initially redirect funds within the Department of Health, which operates on an annual budget of $25 billion.
The primary concern among state officials is to guarantee that there are no delays in disbursing benefits, especially as the new month approaches. If the federal shutdown extends beyond November, legislators are contemplating further actions involving the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to sustain SNAP benefits.
Advocates for low-income families have lauded the efforts made by the legislature to ensure that food assistance remains available during this challenging time. Meanwhile, federal guidelines from the USDA indicate that states covering SNAP benefits during a government shutdown might not receive reimbursement, raising further questions regarding the legality and feasibility of utilizing contingency funds for such purposes.
The Louisiana Department of Health has proactively begun informing families and retailers about the possible disruptions to SNAP benefits. The state’s commitment to managing the impacts of the federal shutdown more effectively remains at the forefront of its agenda to protect its most vulnerable populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Louisiana Illuminator
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- KALB
- Google Search: SNAP benefits Louisiana
- NOLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Stamp Program
- WDSU
- Google News: Louisiana SNAP shutdown
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
