During the June 25 public comment period at the Sussex County commissioners meeting, several residents urged the board to oppose proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related federal supports.

Cathy Brennan of Hampton Township told the commissioners, “Sussex County residents covered by Medicaid are 15,319. Children are 6,266,” and warned that reductions would increase local demand for state and county services. Brennan urged the board to pass a resolution opposing cuts to the programs.

Pamela Gray, a teacher in the Sussex Wanage School District, described how SNAP and school nutrition programs supported many families and said the district relies on those services; she said a proposed cut would directly affect “over 4,000 families in Sussex County alone.” Gray described personal efforts by teachers and families to fill gaps during COVID school closures and asked the commission to adopt a resolution opposing reductions.

Speakers stressed the potential downstream impacts of federal aid reductions, including increased food insecurity, pressure on local social services and possible job losses in service sectors. Several speakers offered draft resolutions for the board’s consideration and asked the commissioners to prepare local opposition statements for state and federal representatives.

There was no formal board vote on a resolution during the meeting; the comments were delivered as public testimony and callers asked the board to consider follow-up action.