Tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders could lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits if the federal government shutdown continues past October.
Governor Dan McKee says "Washington Republicans' refusal to end this shutdown" is putting 140-thousand SNAP recipients at risk.
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans began this shutdown by playing political games with health coverage for millions of Americans. Now, their ongoing inaction is threatening crucial food assistance for those who need it most,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m calling on President Trump to put people over politics and take immediate action to resolve this issue without further delay.”
The governor says shutdowns hurt families, children and the elderly - and President Trump must do his job and end it immediately.
McKee says with food banks already stretched thin, his team is working to leverage state dollars with other partners to supplement the state's food pantry supplies.
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images