Capitol News

State Representative Karl Bohnak has called on congressional leaders to approve a continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government and reinstate benefit programs currently halted by the ongoing federal shutdown. He also noted recent state funding sent to Michigan food banks to help during this period.

“Food insecurity is a crisis that affects every state, every community, and every family,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “The federal and state governments have many programs in place to help people get food on the table in times of need. However, the difference between state and federal politics is that in Michigan we secured a bipartisan budget – including funding for these critical programs – while the federal government threw up their hands and shut down the government in an act of petty protest.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, together with House Republicans, recently announced that $4.5 million would be allocated from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This funding aims to help food banks across all 83 counties provide support for those affected by disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the shutdown. The funds are intended to keep operations running through November 14.

“When Republicans and Democrats put aside partisan differences and work for the people, we’re able to find real solutions in the most difficult times,” Bohnak said. “While the federal government blindly runs around with no direction, leaders in Michigan took a crisis like SNAP benefits, explored our options, and secured funding that will ensure families across Michigan have access to quality foods. However, no resource is unlimited. The only true solution to this crisis is leaders in Washington putting aside their differences and reopening the federal government so we can fully restore these critical programs.”

House Republicans indicated they will review how effective this additional food bank funding has been, monitor developments related to the federal shutdown, and assess statewide needs before deciding whether more financial support will be approved after next week.