STATEHOUSE – As Congress remains stalled on passing a federal funding resolution, Hoosiers who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are facing uncertainty about their ability to put food on the table.
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) said Washington’s failure to act is creating uncertainty for nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who use SNAP benefits, an estimated 228,000 of whom are children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) have warned Hoosiers that no SNAP benefits will be issued starting Nov. 1 until the federal shutdown ends.
“Hoosiers, including children, seniors and individuals with disabilities, are wondering if they will receive the benefits they depend on,” O’Brien said. “Washington has a job to do, and it is frustrating to see political gamesmanship taking precedence over the well-being of children and families.”
According to a report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Indiana could see slower economic growth and increased unemployment because of the shutdown. CEA estimates Indiana’s Gross State Product will decline by approximately $270 million each week as the shutdown extends, which could lead to an increase in unemployment of about 900 workers in a month-long shutdown.
O’Brien said that the challenges facing Indiana families during the federal shutdown are concerning and highlight how unnecessary gridlock in Washington, D.C. can create real hardship at home.
“Indiana has consistently passed balanced budgets and operated within our means for nearly two decades,” O’Brien said. “This is an avoidable situation, and it is past time for certain members of Congress to end the games and get back to work for the people they represent.”
O’Brien said he remains in contact with officials at FSSA to ensure local families are kept informed and supported as the situation evolves.
