Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is and continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, Redford Township, and Detroit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what is going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
SNAP Benefit Update
I want to make sure you are aware of an urgent development that will affect 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What’s Happening
As of Nov. 1, SNAP benefits will be paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In Michigan, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including 492,000 children, 38,500 veterans, and hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.
How It Impacts Families
This pause comes at a time when grocery prices are rising and families are already stretched thin. Most SNAP households are working adults, but their wages simply aren’t enough to cover basic needs without assistance. On average, SNAP provides $335 per month per household — totaling nearly $300 million each month flowing into Michigan’s grocery stores, farmers markets and local businesses. Without it, families will likely face the impossible choice between food, medicine, rent or utilities.
What House Democrats are Doing to Fight for SNAP
House Democrats are moving forward with legislation to fight to protect Michigan families, including the following proposals:
- Securing Fresh Food Access: A proposal to create a $600 million emergency supplemental fund for food assistance SNAP recipients.
- Keeping Food Banks Stocked: A proposed additional $12.5 million to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
- Keeping Food on the Table: A proposed additional $12.5 million for local food pantries.
- Calling for Federal Action: Resolutions urging the U.S. President, Congressional Republicans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to end the shutdown and guarantee uninterrupted SNAP benefits.
In order for these proposals to move forward, Michigan House Republicans will need to work with House Democrats to keep meals on Michigan tables.
At the federal level, the USDA has the ability to use contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going, as it did during the 2019 shutdown. But the White House claims it lacks that authority. Ultimately, benefits could be restored immediately if Washington ends the shutdown.
SNAP Resources
If your household is impacted, please know that help is available:
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for confidential referrals to local food programs and services.
- Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and hunger relief efforts.
- Check your MI Bridges account for the latest updates on SNAP benefits.
Michigan families work hard, play by the rules and deserve the dignity of knowing they can put food on the table. I will keep fighting to make sure Washington lives up to that promise.
Events
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. I host two coffee hours a month, one in-person and one virtual. The location for in-person coffee hours will rotate throughout the year between Livonia, Redford Township, and Detroit. November’s in-person coffee hour will be in Detroit at Motor City Java House (17336 Lahser Road Detroit, MI 48219). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-Person: Saturday, Nov. 8, from 2–3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, Nov. 17, from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky
State Representative
17th House District