"The big picture: Now in its 24th day, the shutdown threatens to take a real toll not just on federal workers who are going without paychecks, but also many of the nation's neediest citizens. The SNAP freeze could kick in as an increasing number of Americans are going hungry and relying on food banks as the economy cools. Senate Democrats essentially shut down the government by demanding that the Republicans who control Congress extend Affordable Care Act subsidies."
"Zoom in: The SNAP program has contingency funds that could cover about two-thirds of the shortfall, according to Democrats and liberal-leaning groups who are calling on the administration to tap it. But USDA says there's less money in the fund and, in its one-page memo issued Friday, says it's only for true emergencies "like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, that can come on quickly and without notice." "There is no provision or allowance under current law for states to cover the cost of benefits and be reimbursed," the memo also warns."
Now in its 24th day, the shutdown threatens a real toll on federal workers going without paychecks and many of the nation's neediest citizens. A SNAP freeze could begin as more Americans go hungry and rely on food banks while the economy cools, with 42 million potentially losing food assistance starting Nov. 1. Without Affordable Care Act subsidies, health care costs could soar for 22 million Americans enrolled in ACA plans, creating competing needs between food and health benefits. Democrats and liberal groups say contingency funds could cover two-thirds of the shortfall, but USDA counters the fund is smaller, meant for sudden disasters, and warns states cannot cover benefits and be reimbursed.
Read at Axios
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