|
Hicks-Hudson: Trump Shutdown Urges U.S. Senate to End
Political Games and Reopen government
State Rep. Paula
Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) last week urged the U.S. Senate to
pass legislation to end the federal government shutdown,
which currently threatens food security for thousands of
Ohio children and families as federal funding for food
assistance programs runs out.
"The impact of this
government shutdown is felt all across our economy,
especially among the most vulnerable in our communities:
children, seniors and Ohioans living with disabilities. I
urge the U.S. Senate to stop playing politics and reopen the
government," said Rep. Hicks-Hudson.
To ensure Ohio families have
access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
benefits during the shutdown, the Ohio Office of Family
Assistance has issued early benefits for February 2019<http://www.wtol.com/2019/01/16/snap-benefits-impacted-by-government-shutdown/>.
This means no additional
benefits will go out until March at the earliest.
"Too many families continue
to work a job or multiple jobs but still struggle to earn
enough to put food on the table," added Hicks-Hudson. "If
the shutdown continues, more Ohioans will be forced to
sacrifice nutritious food to pay for utilities, medicine and
medical care, housing, and more. That's just not right."
Nearly 2 million Ohioans
struggle with hunger, including more than half a million
Ohio children. A federal food assistance freeze could
jeopardize funding for more than 32,000 children in Lucas
County alone.
|
