Governor Pritzker Allocates Millions to Support Food Banks Amid Looming SNAP Funding Crisis

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ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The looming absence of a federal budget agreement threatens to impact millions across Illinois, as SNAP benefits are poised to be cut off this weekend. In response, the state is mobilizing efforts to bolster food banks. However, lawmakers are urging for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the need for reliable funding beyond federal aid.

The persistent government shutdown is swiftly escalating into a dire situation for numerous families in Central Illinois. The potential loss of essential food assistance underscores the urgency for decisive action.

As the Illinois legislative session races against the clock to pass critical bills before the veto session concludes, the stakes are high. Illinois House Representative Carol Ammons highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “In my district, there are over 14,000 individuals reliant on SNAP benefits. Thousands in Champaign-Urbana alone face the threat of hunger due to this deliberate shutdown.”

The inability of Senators in Washington D.C. to agree on a continuing resolution signals that funding could lapse by Saturday. Earlier in the month, Governor JB Pritzker indicated that the state was exploring contingency plans to mitigate the potential SNAP shutdown. On Thursday, he detailed the state’s approach.

“We are utilizing all available resources to ensure people are fed,” Pritzker stated. “This includes supporting food pantries and organizations dedicated to providing meals to those in need.”

Pritzker’s new executive order will provide $20 million in funding directly to food banks. He is also ordering state agencies to start surveying grocers and hosting listening sessions to find out what other logistical support it can provide.

Some at the capitol think the state needs to be thinking farther ahead.

“We should not succumb to the federal cuts on SNAP. We should not succumb to the shutdown. We should be following what Mayor Brandon Johnson has said in Chicago and other leaders across the state to demand that the rich pay their fair share and help the most vulnerable in our state at this time,” said Ammons who was joined by other concerned colleagues at a press conference on Thursday.

A group of lawmakers representing Central Illinois and the Chicago area argue now is the time for the state to adopt a more progressive tax structure.

They want higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations to help fund state support systems that could take the place of programs like snap.

But they say those discussions are long term. In the short term Congress needs to reopen the government to avoid a crisis. If that doesn’t happen, they say Pritzker needs to consider providing even more funding to food banks and hungry families.

“We have had, what, nine credit upgrades, ten, ten, ten now. We do also have reserves. And i’m asking the governor to step in, not just with the food banks, but we may have to utilize those reserves to protect the people of Illinois. And we are willing to do that,” said Ammons.

Both Pritzker and lawmakers warn that even with additional funding, food banks cannot make up the ground lost in SNAP benefits. The say this assistance is only a short term solution until the government can be re-opened.