The Michigan House Speaker has indicated strong opposition to the Senate’s proposed $71 million food aid bill. This comes at a time when federal food assistance is set to pause due to a government shutdown. Speaker Matt Hall, a Republican from Richland Township, criticized the Senate’s approach as ineffective and merely political.
Speaker Hall’s Critique of the Senate Bill
During a news briefing on October 30, Hall described the Senate’s food aid plan as “performative” and “fake.” He highlighted the delays caused by the legislative process, stating, “People are not going to get this benefit and they’re struggling.” Hall emphasized the urgency of finding immediate solutions to support families in need.
In response to the Senate’s actions, Hall noted a five-day layover rule that prevents the House from quickly addressing the Senate bill. He reiterated that the House would strive to pass the bill next week, despite the Senate’s anticipated absence.
Current Assistance Efforts
As the federal shutdown continues, Michigan faces significant challenges with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Nearly 1.4 million residents rely on SNAP for essential food purchases. The Michigan House, led by Hall, has opted to disburse $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council in immediate support. This allocation is part of a larger $30 million emergency fund included in the state budget.
- Federal Shutdown and SNAP: The USDA has announced that SNAP benefits will not be issued for November.
- Impact on Households: About 13% of Michigan households depend on SNAP, including 492,000 children.
- Average Benefits: Eligible households received an average of $335 in monthly SNAP benefits last year.
Senate’s Supplemental Funding Bill
The Senate’s proposed bill aims to address the crisis with a four-part strategy:
- $50 million to refill EBT cards prioritized for the most vulnerable.
- $10 million for food bank support.
- $10 million to purchase and distribute surplus produce from local farms.
- $1 million for the Double Up Food Bucks Program, promoting healthy food purchases.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks commented on the bipartisan nature of the bill, urging federal leaders to release SNAP funds to mitigate the issue. She, along with several other governors, has appealed to President Trump regarding this situation.
Future Challenges and Calls for Action
Hall expressed concerns about potential interruptions in other federal assistance programs such as WIC if the shutdown continues. He called for urgent action from Congress to resolve the budget impasse, emphasizing that Michigan cannot fully compensate for lost federal support.
As of now, the USDA remains firm that no SNAP funds will be available in November, citing legal constraints with contingency funds. State leaders continue to advocate for solutions to ensure food assistance for the thousands of families relying on these critical benefits.
