Due to the lack of Federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1, the Senate passed supplemental funding to help Michigan residents purchase food. The appropriation is meant to bridge the gap for residents who rely on SNAP benefits until the Federal government passes its budget or appropriates funds for the program.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bill 182 was introduced by Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), chair of the Appropriations Committee.
- The bill appropriates $71 million in total.
- Of that, $50 million is for an emergency assistance fund, $10 million is appropriated to emergency grants for food banks, $10 million for the Michigan agricultural surplus system, and the remaining $1 million is for the Double Up Food Bucks program.
- The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 27-4.
Next Steps:
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- The legislation will be sent to the House for consideration.
- Due to the five-day rule, the House couldn’t pass the bill until next week.
