KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.
"If November comes and a solution isn’t brought to the table, there will be a lot of pain in the 40th," said Joyce (D-Essex). "I have families in every corner of my district, both urban and rural, Republican and Democrat, who depend on these benefits to put food on the table."
SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 39,131 people in the district Joyce represents who rely on SNAP benefits.
Joyce stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.
"It is the duty of federal lawmakers to rise above partisanship when it comes to protecting the people they serve," said Joyce. "The time to act is now, so that families don’t go hungry."
Joyce is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.
