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Connecticut leaders announce $500 million emergency fund to backstop SNAP, WIC and heating aid
Summary
Governor and legislative leaders announced a $500,000,000 emergency reserve to backstop SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP and related programs during the federal shutdown; the governor was granted temporary appropriation authority subject to later legislative review and a special-session vote.
Governor announced a $500,000,000 emergency relief fund on the state’s behalf to backstop food and heating programs affected by the federal government shutdown.
The governor said the fund is intended to bridge needs through the regular legislative session in February and to ensure residents receive benefits disrupted by federal action. "We're here to announce a federal emergency relief fund, $500,000,000," the governor said, citing recent interruptions to SNAP benefits and other programs.
Why it matters: Leaders warned that federal uncertainty has left residents at risk of losing benefits. Senate President Marty Looney described federal shifts as forcing an unfair choice between aid programs and said the state needed a local backstop. "We have created a fund to bridge us over until... February," Looney said.
How it will work: Officials said the governor will recommend allocations from the reserve for enumerated categories — including SNAP (food assistance), WIC (Women, Infants and Children), LIHEAP (fuel/heat assistance) and potentially…
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