Austin A. Davis 35th Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Lt. Governor Austin Davis has urged the federal government to take immediate action to restore funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports nearly two million Pennsylvanians. The call comes after the White House announced a halt to SNAP benefits for November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Davis visited the Central PA Food Bank with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and leaders from the Department of Human Services to discuss the impact of this decision. They emphasized that many families across Pennsylvania could face food insecurity if SNAP benefits are not reinstated soon.
"This is one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen as a public servant - the Trump Administration is deliberately causing pain to people in need, people who rely on food assistance to feed their families," said Davis. "There is absolutely no need to do this. There are contingency funds held in reserve for occasions just like this one. Instead, the Trump Administration is desperately trying to score political points and lying about what's at stake with the government shutdown."
He also encouraged community support: "Here in Pennsylvania, I know our communities are strong, and our neighbors are generous. I want to encourage those Pennsylvanians who can to contribute to their local food bank or nonprofit organization, to help those who are in danger of going hungry."
The visit included remarks from Shila Ulrich, CEO of Central Pennsylvania Food Bank; Hoa Pham, Deputy Secretary for Income Maintenance at DHS; Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Wes & Jackie Nell, owners of Nell Produce; and Tara Davis from Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The suspension of SNAP payments could have significant consequences for low-income households across Pennsylvania who depend on these funds for basic nutrition.
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