State Rep. Karl Bohnak today urged congressional leadership to pass a clean continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government and restore critical benefit programs that have halted during the ongoing federal shutdown. Bohnak also highlighted state funding sent to local food banks to support operations during the federal shutdown.

“Food insecurity is a crisis that affects every state, every community, and every family,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “The federal and state governments have many programs in place to help people get food on the table in times of need. However, the difference between state and federal politics is that in Michigan we secured a bipartisan budget – including funding for these critical programs – while the federal government threw up their hands and shut down the government in an act of petty protest.”

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in partnership with House Republicans, announced she would direct the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to disburse $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The funding will ensure food banks in all 83 Michigan counties can provide assistance to individuals affected by a stoppage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stemming from the ongoing federal shutdown. The funding is expected to support operations through Nov. 14.

“When Republicans and Democrats put aside partisan differences and work for the people, we’re able to find real solutions in the most difficult times,” Bohnak said. “While the federal government blindly runs around with no direction, leaders in Michigan took a crisis like SNAP benefits, explored our options, and secured funding that will ensure families across Michigan have access to quality foods. However, no resource is unlimited. The only true solution to this crisis is leaders in Washington putting aside their differences and reopening the federal government so we can fully restore these critical programs.”

House Republicans say they will conduct a thorough review of the food bank funding boost, the status of the federal government shutdown, and statewide food insecurity needs before potentially approving additional funding to support food bank operations past the end of next week.

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