SNAP running dry amid Pennsylvania budget impasse, federal shutdown

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The federal government is shut down and the state government is without a budget, which is very bad news for those who get SNAP benefits, as the money runs out Nov. 1 for 2 million recipients in Pennsylvania unless the gridlock in D.C. and Harrisburg comes to an end.

“You’re going to actually have people starving in Pennsylvania because we, as Pennsylvanians, as legislators, haven’t passed the budget,” State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) said. “The federal government hasn’t passed the budget.”

A cruel trick, say lawmakers of all parties, at all levels. No budget at the state or federal level means no help for the most vulnerable.

“I’m really concerned about because SNAP benefits are, you know, mostly for folks that are living paycheck to paycheck and really need that support,” U.S. Sen. Dave McCormack (R-Pennsylvania) said.

But both Harrisburg and D.C. are under a partisan spell, each blaming the other for the paralysis. Williams and rural Republican State Sen. Gene Yaw said the pain is bipartisan.

“Things are starting to hit home, and the SNAP benefits are very important to people in my district,” Yaw said. “I mean, we probably got one of the lowest income per capita in the state in some areas.”

The solution should also be bipartisan, Williams said. If leaders can’t get the job done, perhaps the rank and file should.

“I also know how the building works when other people in our seats said, ‘Enough is enough,'” Williams said. “And I’ve seen moments where rank-and-file members drive the agenda. We cannot have people not eating because we can’t resolve ourselves politically to budget. We actually have revenue over here.”

McCormick supports the continuing resolution that would fund SNAP and so does U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). Both blame senate Democrats for the shutdown, who say they’re holding out to protect future benefits for the poor.

That is food for thought, but those in need would prefer food on the table.

“My message is we’ve got to get the government open,” McCormack said. “I’m voting for that. I’m supporting that. I think this is just honestly bad policy. I believe that in my heart. I believe it’s bad policy no matter who’s in charge.”