Kotek Calls On USDA To Continue SNAP Benefits

On Monday Oregon Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the USDA to ensure that SNAP benefits continue during the ongoing federal government shutdown.  In the letter, Governor Kotek and other state leaders emphasized the urgent need for the USDA to utilize available contingency and reserve funds to guarantee that states can issue November SNAP benefits on time and in full.

“The ongoing federal shutdown has created unacceptable uncertainty for families, children, older adults, and communities across Oregon,” the letter said. “Hunger should never be a consequence of political stalemate. USDA must act swiftly to ensure that families have access to food and that benefits are delivered without delay.”

Ensuring Families Have Access To Food Is A Core Function Of USDA

“Failing to use these contingency resources to prevent widespread food insecurity would represent a dereliction of USDA’s fundamental duty to serve the American people," the letter continued.  "Ensuring that families have access to food is not optional — it is a core function of the Department and an essential component of national stability and well-being.”

According to the letter, more than 757,000 Oregonians, including 210,000 children and 130,000 "older adults", rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs.  It also notes the potential economic ripple effects that could result if SNAP benefits are disrupted, particularly in rural communities where SNAP dollars sustain grocery stores, small businesses, and agricultural producers.

Several Oregon Leaders Sign Letter To Rollins

In addition to Governor Kotek, the letter was signed by Secretary of State Tobias Read, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, Senate President Rob Wagner, House Speaker Julie Fahey, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, and House and Senate budget Co-Chairs Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Tawna Sanchez.

Click Here to read the entire letter sent to Secretary Rollins.

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