Companion bills would provide temporary funding for Ky. SNAP benefits during federal shutdowns
Legislation introduced in the Senate and House would ensure Kentucky families do not lose access to SNAP benefits if the federal government temporarily stops or delays payments during a federal shutdown or funding lapse.
Senate Bill 135 and House Bill 522, sponsored respectively by Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville, and Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, D-Lexington, would establish a narrow, time-limited process that allows the Governor to intervene and prevent interruptions in food assistance, while requiring the commonwealth to pursue reimbursement once federal funding resumes.
The legislation is intended as a safeguard against federal instability that places states and families in difficult positions. While federal shutdowns and funding negotiations may occur for a range of reasons, interruptions to nutrition assistance have immediate consequences for households that rely on SNAP to meet basic needs.
Chambers Armstrong said Kentucky should have clear tools in place to protect families when federal actions or delays threaten access to food assistance.
“SNAP is how families put food on the table. It is what parents rely on to feed their kids and what seniors depend on to make it through the month," Chambers Armstrong said. "No family should fear going hungry because of politics. We want the tools in place to protect Kentucky families during times of federal government shutdown or disruption.”
Under both bills, the Governor would be authorized to make a limited, temporary advance from Kentucky’s Budget Reserve Trust Fund, commonly referred to as the rainy day fund, solely to maintain SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown or temporary suspension of payments. Any funds used would be treated as a short-term bridge and would be required to be repaid after federal appropriations are restored.
“Kentuckians shouldn’t go hungry because Congress can’t do its job,” Donworth stated. “This bill allows the Governor to access some of the over $3 billion in the state rainy day fund in a fiscally responsible way. The rainy day fund is designated for emergency relief, and I can’t think of a better use for it than for feeding our most vulnerable. I’m grateful to Ray Ratliff, CEO of The Future of Eastern Kentucky, for bringing forward the idea for this legislation.”
The two bills have yet been assigned to a committee.
Kentucky Capitol Dome courtesy of the LRC
