Summary of Nevada SNAP Funding Crisis Amid Federal Shutdown
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Nevada’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids nearly half-a-million residents, is at risk of running out of funds. Federal rules prevent the state from directly funding SNAP, leaving state officials with limited options as the program is federally regulated and costs about $90 million per month in Nevada.
Key Points:
- Federal Restrictions: Governor Joe Lombardo explained that state funding cannot be used to directly support SNAP due to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations. Any emergency program funded by the state must be entirely separate from SNAP and would take at least three months to establish.
- Legislative Calls: Nevada Democrats urged the governor to use all available resources, including calling a special session, to support SNAP recipients. Lombardo responded that even with legislative action, the state cannot directly fund SNAP under federal law.
- Alternative Support: Lombardo directed state agencies to increase support for food banks and community organizations serving SNAP recipients, and said the Nevada National Guard would be ready to assist with food distribution.
- Economic Impact: State Treasurer Zach Conine warned that a lapse in SNAP benefits could reduce Nevada’s economic output by $162 million a month. He suggested using the state’s “rainy day” fund to supplement emergency food assistance in ways that don’t directly support SNAP.
- Partisan Blame: Both parties blame each other for the shutdown. Democrats highlight the risks to families and the local economy, while Republicans point to Congressional inaction from the other side.
- Related Programs: Nevada lawmakers have allocated $7.3 million in emergency funds to keep the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program operating through December if the shutdown continues.
Political Context:
- The U.S. Senate has attempted to pass a funding bill to end the shutdown, with bipartisan support, but it has not reached the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster.
- Disagreements in Congress include issues like the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- USDA has stated that funds for SNAP have been exhausted and blamed Senate Democrats for the shutdown.
Bottom Line: Nevada cannot legally fund SNAP directly due to federal rules. The state is seeking alternative ways to support residents who rely on food assistance, but any substantial replacement program would take months to implement. Meanwhile, political disagreement in Washington has left the fate of critical food programs for Nevada’s most vulnerable residents uncertain.