Gov. Kelly reacts to SNAP and WIC benefits as government shutdown hits 22 days

KANSAS (KSNT) – Oct. 22 marks 22 days in the government shutdown, it’s the second longest in American history, and people who use food assistance programs could soon feel the impact.

The Kansas Department of Children and Families manages SNAP benefits for more than 180,000 Kansans each month, but these people could lose food assistance next month.

The USDA informed states if the shutdown continues, government funding for the SNAP program will dry up. As for WIC, the KDHE anticipates food money should last into next month, but many other services it supports are running into tough times.

At a Wednesday conference, Governor Laura Kelly said this shutdown must be resolved because states don’t have the money to backfill EIC and SNAP benefits.

“When those federal funds cease coming into the state, those programs are going to cease, and people are going to be hungry,” said Gov. Kelly. “We’re going to literally be taking food out of the mouths of babies. So, Congress needs to get it together and get this resolved.”

Since the shutdown, Republicans have blamed Democrats for keeping it going. Democrats say they won’t budge unless they extend health care subsidies that expire at the end of the year.

On Wednesday, Congressman Derek Schmidt held a telephone town hall meeting with House Republican Whip Tom Emmer. Emmer states that Democrats have had 13 opportunities to end the shutdown and haven’t.

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