RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency Thursday as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could run out due to the federal government shutdown.
“The State of Emergency allows the Governor to expend emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians,” the governor’s press release reads.
Youngkin placed the blame on Democrats for the shutdown.
“The Commonwealth will provide food benefits until Congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics,” he said. “I thank President Trump and his Administration for their help as they continue to provide support to Virginians in need.”
In a joint statement on Thursday, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release funds to ensure SNAP benefits could continue in November.
“In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government,” the senators wrote.
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