Last week, Virginia was notified by federal authorities that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits – commonly known as “food stamps” – will begin being paid after uncertainty involving the program was caused by the federal government shutdown. Legislation passed by Congress last week will ensure that the federal government re-opens, and full federal benefits will once again be able to be distributed through the Commonwealth’s administration of the SNAP program. Congressman Morgan Griffith deserves our thanks for his vote to re-open the government in light of overwhelming resistance from House Democrats.
At the time that this column was written, the United States Supreme Court extended a freeze on SNAP payments, while the United States Congress passed legislation that would fully fund SNAP. The ensuing signature of President Trump makes the pending case before the Supreme Court irrelevant as funding will now be available through the typical federal legislative process. This puts an end to the ongoing drama at the federal level of government, and it assures Virginians who rely on these benefits that they will now be able to access them uninterrupted. Unlike the United States Congress, the Virginia General Assembly operates off of a balanced budget each year – which is a constitutional requirement. Standoffs can (and have) occurred, but they have always been resolved within the mandated deadlines. I certainly hope that this continues to be the case in the future.
As you may recall, Governor Glenn Youngkin stepped in and continued SNAP payments for Virginians through the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program established by Executive Order 54. VENA ensured that weekly (instead of monthly) payments were received by SNAP beneficiaries in the event of an imminent re-opening of the federal government, as well as to make certain that food purchases could be made by those who receive SNAP benefits as soon as possible. The Commonwealth has done so by helping to fill the gap created by the reduction in funding of the program — with the federal government paying around 65% of typical monthly subsidies to needy individuals’ families.
Although SNAP is a federally-funded (and state-administered) program, the Commonwealth truly stepped up to the plate and reacted when its citizens needed it the most. This should fill all Virginians with pride in how our state government works to the benefit of its citizens.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) will continue to be SNAP recipients’ best source of ongoing information and communications regarding benefits in light of the federal government shutdown. SNAP households who have questions can contact their local department or visit dss.virginia.gov for more information. In addition, Virginians can help support their friends and neighbors by donating food or funds to regional food banks. These food banks will work to distribute aid through a network of more than 1,000 food pantries statewide to guarantee that those in every corner of the Commonwealth have the food they need.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
