Capitol News

The Michigan Catholic Conference has expressed support for a recent decision by the state Senate to approve funding aimed at continuing food assistance for families and children in need. The move comes as federally funded food assistance is scheduled to stop this weekend due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The Senate passed a supplemental spending bill, Senate Bill 182, with bipartisan support. The bill allocates about $70 million to maintain food assistance payments that are set to end on November 1, following an order from the federal government last week directing states to pause planned Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments because of the shutdown. Since October 1, Congress has not reached an agreement on funding, leading to the lapse in government operations.

Approximately 1.4 million people in Michigan currently receive SNAP benefits. The proposed legislation still requires approval from the state House of Representatives and the Governor before it can take effect.

In addition to legislative action, state officials announced today that $4.5 million will be provided to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to help local food banks continue supporting needy families during this period.

Paul A. Long, president and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference, stated: “Michigan families and children should not have to go without food because of unrelated political circumstances outside of their control. 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.”

The Michigan Catholic Conference serves as the official public policy voice for the Catholic Church within Michigan.