Republicans request state SNAP funding

Republicans in the House and Senate joined Oct. 28 in asking Gov. Matt Meyer to use or redirect state funds for food benefits.

“This situation is not abstract as it affects real people in our communities,” both caucuses wrote in a letter. “It means military veterans who have served our country could struggle to afford groceries. It means single mothers working multiple jobs may not be able to feed their children. It means seniors on fixed incomes could face empty pantries and impossible choices. Delaware has the power to prevent that outcome, and we urge your administration to act swiftly.”

Republicans requested that Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young identify and redirect any available funding resources to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is expected to cease Saturday, Nov. 1, as part of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

If no state funds are available, Republicans called for a special session of the General Assembly to authorize an alternative path to ensure uninterrupted SNAP benefits for Delawareans in need.

Two options they proposed are redirecting a portion of General Fund dollars currently designated for the proposed Legislative Hall parking garage project, or using a portion of the nearly $50 million set aside for the ERP Cloud Migration. 

“These funds have not yet been encumbered and are easily accessible,” Republicans said. “In any scenario, the redirected funds should be fully backfilled once federal operations resume, where legally permissible. Delaware has both the resources and the responsibility to ensure no family in our state goes hungry because of a political stalemate in Washington. We urge you to act decisively and compassionately to protect those who need help the most.”