News Release: Michigan Families Should Not Go Hungry Because of Political Gridlock

(Lansing, Mich.)—Ensuring families and children in need do not go without food is a pressing policy priority, Michigan Catholic Conference said today in supporting the state Senate’s approval of funding intended to cover the cost of federally funded food assistance scheduled to stop this weekend.

The Senate approved a supplemental spending bill on a bipartisan vote to help cover food assistance payments set to end November 1 due to the federal government shutdown, as the U.S. Congress has not come to an agreement to fund the government since funding authority lapsed on October 1.

An estimated 1.4 million Michiganders receive food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Last week, the federal government ordered states to pause planned SNAP payments beginning November 1 due to the shutdown.

The Senate spending bill—Senate Bill 182—would provide approximately $70 million to help provide food to Michiganders who need it most. The bill needs approval from the state House of Representatives and the Governor.

The State of Michigan, in a separate move, also announced today it would send $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to assist in food banks’ efforts to feed needy families.

“Michigan families and children should not have to go without food because of unrelated political circumstances outside of their control,” said Paul A. Long, president and CEO of MCC. “We urge the state Legislature to continue taking steps to prevent individuals who are among the most vulnerable in our state from going hungry.

“Further, we join with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in calling on Congress and the federal administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure lifesaving programs like SNAP are funded and to end the government shutdown as soon as possible.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

-- 30 --