ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A budget stalemate threatens to cut off SNAP benefits for millions across Illinois this weekend. In response, the state is mobilizing support for food banks, but legislators emphasize the urgent need for sustainable strategies, especially when federal assistance is unreliable.
The protracted government shutdown is rapidly escalating into a dire situation for countless families in Central Illinois.
Illinois legislators are scrambling to pass key legislation before the veto session concludes.
“In my district alone, there are over 14,000 individuals, including students and families, who rely on SNAP benefits. Just in the Champaign-Urbana area, thousands face the prospect of going hungry due to this intentional shutdown,” stated Illinois House Representative Carol Ammons.
Senators in the nation’s capital failed to approve a continuing resolution, which could lead to a depletion of funds by Saturday. Earlier this month, Governor JB Pritzker suggested the state had contingency plans to provide temporary relief if SNAP services were suspended. On Thursday, Pritzker revealed his strategy.
Pritzker’s new executive order will provide $20 million in funding directly to food banks. He is also ordering state agencies to start surveying grocers and hosting listening sessions to find out what other logistical support it can provide.
Some at the capitol think the state needs to be thinking farther ahead.
“We should not succumb to the federal cuts on SNAP. We should not succumb to the shutdown. We should be following what Mayor Brandon Johnson has said in Chicago and other leaders across the state to demand that the rich pay their fair share and help the most vulnerable in our state at this time,” said Ammons who was joined by other concerned colleagues at a press conference on Thursday.
A group of lawmakers representing Central Illinois and the Chicago area argue now is the time for the state to adopt a more progressive tax structure.
They want higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations to help fund state support systems that could take the place of programs like snap.
But they say those discussions are long term. In the short term Congress needs to reopen the government to avoid a crisis. If that doesn’t happen, they say Pritzker needs to consider providing even more funding to food banks and hungry families.
“We have had, what, nine credit upgrades, ten, ten, ten now. We do also have reserves. And i’m asking the governor to step in, not just with the food banks, but we may have to utilize those reserves to protect the people of Illinois. And we are willing to do that,” said Ammons.
Both Pritzker and lawmakers warn that even with additional funding, food banks cannot make up the ground lost in SNAP benefits. The say this assistance is only a short term solution until the government can be re-opened.
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