MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as FoodShare in Wisconsin, ran out due to the ongoing government shutdown. The lapse affects about 700,000 residents statewide.
“Wisconsinites and Americans across the country are now scrambling, trying to figure out how to feed their families,” Evers said, blaming congressional Republicans and the Trump administration for failing to prevent the disruption. The order directs state agencies to combat price gouging, provide emergency resources, and ensure consumer protections for affected households.
Two federal judges last week ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to partially restore SNAP benefits. The administration announced Monday it would release $4.65 billion, covering about half of November’s aid.
Republican leaders in Wisconsin said the state lacks resources to backfill SNAP benefits, calling the issue federal. Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) said lawmakers would not take action to fund the gap.
Democratic legislators urged cooperation, noting GOP lawmakers previously cut $20 million from a food security grant program that could have helped families and food banks during the crisis. The shutdown has now reached 34 days with no resolution in sight.
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