Senate concurs in resolution urging state action to keep SNAP benefits flowing amid federal shutdown
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Summary
The Louisiana Senate on the floor concurred in House Concurrent Resolution No. 3 on a 32-1 recorded vote, urging the governor and the Louisiana Department of Health to use any available state revenue to preserve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits interrupted by the federal government shutdown.
The Louisiana Senate on the floor concurred in House Concurrent Resolution No. 3 on a 32-1 recorded vote, urging the governor and the Louisiana Department of Health to use any available state revenue to preserve SNAP benefits interrupted by the federal government shutdown.
Supporters said the step is an emergency measure to prevent hunger among vulnerable residents while the federal impasse continues. "This is not our program, but this is our people," Senator Jackson Andrews said, asking the chamber to act so "children, people who are disabled, pregnant women" would not go without food. President Henry summarized the scope, saying about 88,000 elderly residents, 12,000 disabled individuals and 356,000 households with children could be affected.
Senator Morris was the leading floor critic, arguing the state should not use its funds to backfill a federal program and warning it could create a bad precedent. "I think it sets a bad precedent," Morris said, noting a leaked U.S. Department of Agriculture memo that, he said, indicated no plan to reimburse states. He added that shifting LDH money or dipping into the revenue stabilization fund could be an inappropriate use of state taxpayer dollars.
Senators who supported the resolution urged immediate action to avoid hunger. Senator Boudreaux thanked the legislature for moving quickly and described Louisiana as an "agriculture state" that should not wait for federal action. Senator Hodges said she would vote for the measure while criticizing the federal shutdown and emphasizing the urgency for veterans and the elderly.
The resolution lists potential state funding mechanisms including LDH appropriations and the Revenue Stabilization Fund (the state's "rainy day" fund). Sponsors and members acknowledged uncertainty about reimbursement from the federal government; some senators said they expect Congress or federal agencies could later reimburse the state, while others warned that no reimbursement is guaranteed.
Madam Secretary recorded 32 yays and 1 nay when the machines closed; the resolution was concurred in. The secretary later recorded 19 co-authors for the measure.
