Judges Makes Key Decision On SNAP Benefits In Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — Two federal judges ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must resume funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, a move that could avert a food aid crisis for millions of Americans, including thousands of Connecticut residents.

The rulings, issued in separate cases in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, found that the USDA’s decision to suspend payments was likely unlawful and ordered the agency to use its contingency funds to keep the nation’s largest food assistance program operating at least in part through November.

The program, which serves about one in eight Americans, costs roughly $8 billion per month. The USDA had planned to halt payments beginning Saturday, citing a lack of appropriated funds due to the shutdown.

In Providence, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell directed the federal government to fund SNAP using at least its $5 billion contingency reserve and to continue honoring all existing work requirement waivers for participants, including older adults and veterans. Meanwhile, in Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani called the USDA’s suspension “unlawful,” ordering officials to clarify by Monday whether they will fully or partially fund the program for November.

“The court's ruling protects millions of families, seniors, and veterans from being used as leverage in a political fight,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, one of the plaintiffs in the Rhode Island case.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the contingency fund would not sustain SNAP for long, blaming Democrats for the impasse. Congress failed this week to pass legislation continuing the program during the shutdown.

RELATED: Critical Benefits For 360K CT Residents Could Soon Be Halted Due To Government Shutdown

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont welcomed the rulings but pressed federal officials to act immediately.

"Today’s ruling found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend SNAP benefits was likely unlawful. While this ruling may offer last-minute relief for the many who rely on SNAP, I urge the federal government to honor it now and for Secretary Rollins to use not only the department’s contingency fund but also her transfer authority to increase benefits," Lamont said in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

"Connecticut Department of Social Services is prepared to issue November benefits as soon as USDA authorizes payment. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with our community food networks," he continued.

RELATED: Connecticut SNAP Benefits Won't Go Out In November, Officials Confirm

Lamont added that his administration has already provided $3 million in emergency funding to local food programs to cushion families from the disruption.

"For millions of families, seniors, and Americans with disabilities, SNAP is a lifeline and one that should have never been cut off," Lamont said. "In Connecticut, we take care of our own and will continue to stand by our residents until this federal shutdown is resolved."

The rulings are expected to face appeals, and it remains unclear how quickly recipients’ benefit cards will be reloaded. State and local food pantries have reported surging demand in recent days as low-income households prepared for a potential lapse in aid.

State Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding (R-30) described the current SNAP situation as "an issue of two competing federal court orders," in a statement on Friday.

"We will have to see the administration’s response. Bottom line: Vulnerable Connecticut residents need to eat. Bottom line: Democrats need to join Republicans in voting to reopen the government and resolve this crisis."

He called the growing coalition of labor unions urging Senate Democrats in Washington, DC to change their position and vote to reopen the government "an encouraging development."

"Republicans stand ready to collaborate with the governor in his work to create an emergency response for Connecticut residents in need," Harding said.

RELATED: Connecticut Foodshare Urges Residents To Use Statewide Tools To Find Local Food Pantries

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provided benefits to about 41 million people last year, including roughly 360,000 Connecticut residents, according to federal data. The program primarily serves families with children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.