LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said using state funds to support SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown is not a “viable solution.”
Friday, Lombardo said he’s responding to suggestions from representatives Steven Horsford, Dina Titus, and Susie Lee to use state funds to temporarily support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“Unfortunately, the proposal from Representatives Horsford, Titus, and Lee is not a viable solution at this point,” Lombardo said. “The USDA has made clear that states cannot use their own dollars to fund federal SNAP benefits, even on a temporary basis, and cannot share SNAP household data with vendors to do so.”
According to a media release, Lombardo’s response came from a clarification from the USDA on Thursday that said SNAP benefits are fully federally funded and that states are prohibited from issuing benefits with state dollars.
“We are doing everything within our authority to support Nevadans who are being hurt by the federal funding stalemate in Congress being fed by Democrats’ inaction,” Lombardo said. “I implore each of you to join in bipartisan efforts to reopen the federal government – just as Senator Cortez Masto has done – and to call on your colleagues, including Senator Rosen, to pass a clean continuing resolution. Nevadans deserve a functioning federal government, not political brinkmanship. It’s time to put partisanship aside and get the government back to work.”
Lombardo said the state has lent support to Nevada residents during the government shutdown by expanding support for food banks and distribution.
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