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Full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are being distributed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture advising states to retract these payments. The USDA deemed full November benefits "unauthorized" following a Supreme Court ruling and ongoing legal battles. The Trump Administration has threatened to penalize states that continue to issue full payments to the 42 million Americans relying on SNAP for food security.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly opposed the federal directive, promising to continue funding the program. "While Donald Trump has fought relentlessly to keep food off New Yorkers’ tables, families who rely on SNAP can finally breathe a sigh of relief as benefits begin to arrive," Hochul stated on social media. Approximately 2.9 million New Yorkers depend on SNAP benefits, which are crucial for many families, seniors, and children.
The USDA initially informed states that only 65% of benefits should be distributed for November. However, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily halted a lower court's order requiring full funding, giving an appeals court time to consider the government's arguments. Despite this, some states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, have announced plans to fully fund SNAP, while others like Illinois and Louisiana have opted for partial benefits.
Governor Hochul has criticized the Trump Administration for withholding funds, calling it a "cruel, senseless and politically motivated punishment." She urged federal officials to release the necessary funding to prevent families from going hungry. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance emphasized the critical need for food assistance, especially given the current high costs of living.
As the government shutdown continues, the political and legal battles over SNAP funding are expected to persist, impacting millions of Americans who rely on this essential program.
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