Governor Jeff Landry is calling on U.S. Senators, led by Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote in favor of reopening the federal government, emphasizing that Louisiana has done its part.
“Louisiana has voted over and over again to re-open the government. They are doing their part. Now it is time for those U.S. Senators, under Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote yes and re-open the federal government,” said Governor Landry. “Louisianans concerned about the lack of funds for this program, or any impacted federal service, should call on Chuck Schumer to re-open the federal government now.”
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which oversees the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announced it will begin notifying recipients this week that November benefits will not be added to their cards until the federal government reopens.
To ensure transparency, LDH has issued notices for both SNAP cardholders and retailers (Notice 1, Notice 2), which retailers can display in their stores to inform customers about the interruption in benefits.
“All Louisiana SNAP recipients should be aware that there will be no new benefits added to their cards starting November 1st unless the federal government in Washington, DC reopens,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well. Updated information will be provided on the state’s new dcshutdown.la.gov website as soon as it is available.”
SNAP, a federal program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides monthly assistance to eligible low-income households to help them purchase food necessary for good health.