The government shutdown is about to impact millions of Americans, including working people, in a major way. On Nov. 1, more than 40 million people may lose access to the benefits that allow them to buy food. That’s when the federal government plans to stop funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP because of the government shutdown.
SNAP helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries, including those who are already facing skyrocketing health care costs and the high costs of living. This could impact approximately 99,000 Ohioans who receive SNAP benefit services administered by OCSEA members.
The Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for distributing aid to Ohio’s JFS county offices, so everywhere from our big cities to our smallest towns will be impacted, said OCSEA Board member and President of OCSEA Franklin County JFS Chapter 2508 Cynthia Watiker.
“As FCJFS employees, we work with the impacted residents everyday––face to face and over the phone,” said Cynthia. “It’s twofold. We’re afraid for what it could mean for them, and for the public services we provide."
“Now it’s just a waiting game to see how it trickles down from the top. Trying to say the right words to those who are fearful, and continuing to service residents as they need us,” said Cynthia.
“It's going to have a huge trickle-down effect,” said OCSEA Board member and President of OCSEA ODJFS/Medicaid Chapter 2599 Damon Neal. “This includes 1 in 4 children in Ohio as well as our veterans, the unemployed, low-income working families, the disabled and the elderly,” he said.
By cutting SNAP, the federal government is doubling down and gambling with lives and access to food, our jobs and our family security, says AFSCME. Our national union is urging member to contact Congress by calling 1-888-981-9704 to put an end to the government shutdown, an assault on working people and public services. Watch and SHARE this video from AFSCME.
At the start of the government shutdown, Ohio State Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus, introduced House Bill 502 which would make an appropriation to continue to fund SNAP and some other federal programs through Ohio's Rainy Day Fund. “Grocery stores won’t stop operating,” Rep. Humphrey was quoted by the Ohio Capital Journal. “The bills won’t stop coming. The babies won’t stop needing formula, and families still have to eat,” she says, urging her Republican partners in the Ohio General Assembly to take action. As the Nov. 1 deadline looms, tell Ohio legislators to act and fund SNAP for Ohio working families. Find your Ohio Legislator HERE.