Judges order for SNAP benefits to continue using emergency funds

(CNN, WNKY) – Two federal judges are ordering the Trump administration to replenish food aid benefits to tens of millions of people across the country.

On Friday, federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ruled the government is required to tap into billions of dollars in emergency funds to help pay for food stamp benefits.

Both judges rejected the Department of Agriculture’s claim that it couldn’t use contingency funds during the shutdown.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island said, “The shutdown of the government through funding doesn’t do away with SNAP, it just does away with the funding of it.”

The ruling comes one day before those benefits were set to expire.

Millions of recipients will still likely face delays in getting their benefits.

According to a release by Gov. Andy Beshear’s office, in order to ensure Kentuckians have access to food over the next few days, Beshear also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and directing an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks.

“While the Trump administration said it couldn’t fund SNAP during the shutdown, two federal judges just said it can and should,” Beshear said. “It’s my job as governor to stand up for Kentuckians, and I am thankful today’s rulings were in favor of helping the more than 40 million Americans and almost 600,000 Kentuckians – many of whom are children – access benefits that will provide them food and prevent hunger.”

In his executive order, the release states the governor directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to “work with the Office of the State Budget Director to identify, allocate and transfer funds as necessary from available sources to support the food banks during the lapse of SNAP funding,” beginning with $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is then instructed to provide the identified funds to Feeding Kentucky.

“From the miracle of fishes and loaves to the Last Supper, my faith teaches me we are called to feed and care for each other. Our President and leaders in Washington should be focused on fighting hunger, not causing it,” Beshear said. “In Kentucky, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get through this challenging time. Thankfully, we have a great partner in Feeding Kentucky, which will allow us to provide some support for those most affected.”

Beshear’s office says he has also directed more than $12 million in state funds during the month of November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program.

The governor’s office stated Friday, Oct. 31 that Kentucky SNAP recipients “can continue using current benefits as normal.” For updates, Kentuckians can visit the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website.