Louisiana Senate concurs in resolution urging state action to replace SNAP benefits during federal shutdown

The Louisiana Senate on an unspecified date voted to concur in House Concurrent Resolution No. 3, urging the Louisiana Department of Health or other available state revenue sources to take immediate action to address suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the federal government shutdown. The concurrence passed on a roll-call vote, 32–1.

The resolution was presented as an emergency step to prevent immediate hunger among vulnerable residents while the federal shutdown continues. Senate President Henry summarized those affected on the floor as about 88,000 elderly recipients, 12,000 people with disabilities and roughly 356,000 households with children. The resolution asks state executive and appropriations authorities to use any available revenue source to ensure benefits continue in the short term.

Supporters said the action responds to an urgent humanitarian need. "This is not our program, but this is our people," said Senator Jackson Andrews, who urged colleagues to prioritize residents facing immediate food insecurity. Senator Boudreaux said Louisiana should not "run and hide" when residents need help and pointed to food banks and local supports while urging legislative action.

Opponents warned of principle and fiscal precedent. "I think it sets a bad precedent," said Senator Morris, arguing the state should not be expected to fill in for a federal obligation and warning of long-term budgetary consequences and federalism concerns. Morris also noted the uncertainty about whether the federal government would reimburse the state if it advanced funds.

Senator Hodges, while critical of the federal shutdown, said she would vote for the resolution to avoid leaving seniors, veterans and families without food in the near term. The measure was described on the floor as covering roughly a one-month gap if needed; the resolution does not itself appropriate funds but urges the Department of Health and the governor to identify and use available revenue sources.

Senate action included a formal concurrence motion by Senator Henry; the concurrence vote was recorded as 32 yays and 1 nay. The secretary later recorded 19 co-authors for the concurrence. The resolution notes the possibility of using revenue stabilization funds or shifting LDH budget items if federal funding remains unavailable. Lawmakers on the floor repeatedly stated they prefer congressional action to end the shutdown and return federal SNAP funding.

Next steps: the concurrence is an expression of the Senate’s urgent request and does not, by itself, specify a line-item appropriation. Senators said the state could consider a temporary transfer from revenue stabilization or LDH accounts if necessary and if the shutdown persists, and that any use of state funds would be subject to the usual fiscal limits and follow-up appropriation processes.