Illinois Joins Nationwide Bid to Stop Trump Administration's SNAP Funding Cuts
A federal lawsuit has been filed by attorneys general from 25 states, including Illinois, against the Trump administration over its decision to cut food stamp funding as the government shutdown continues. The move would leave nearly 2 million Illinois residents without benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), starting November 1, unless the shutdown ends.
The lawsuit claims that the federal government has access to $3 billion in SNAP contingency reserve funds, which it is using a "necessary to carry out program operations" clause to justify withholding funding. The coalition of attorneys general and governors argues that this move would harm low-income families and have ripple effects on other social programs and the economy.
According to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, the Trump administration's decision is "deliberate, illegal, and cruel." He stated that the funding cuts would disproportionately affect households with children, who make up 45% of SNAP recipients in Illinois. The lawsuit also claims that each dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.54 in economic activity, highlighting the significant impact on grocery stores and related industries.
Illinois stands to lose approximately $350 million in funds if the funding is cut off, which would be a blow to the state's economy. Food pantries have already begun bracing for longer lines due to federal cuts in other social programs like Medicaid. Grocery stores that accept SNAP payments also face significant economic losses, with SNAP spending leading to an output of about $1.3 billion in Illinois grocery and retailing industries.
The lawsuit seeks a federal judge's order to compel the Trump administration to use contingency reserve funds to continue funding the program for families who need it most throughout November.
A federal lawsuit has been filed by attorneys general from 25 states, including Illinois, against the Trump administration over its decision to cut food stamp funding as the government shutdown continues. The move would leave nearly 2 million Illinois residents without benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), starting November 1, unless the shutdown ends.
The lawsuit claims that the federal government has access to $3 billion in SNAP contingency reserve funds, which it is using a "necessary to carry out program operations" clause to justify withholding funding. The coalition of attorneys general and governors argues that this move would harm low-income families and have ripple effects on other social programs and the economy.
According to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, the Trump administration's decision is "deliberate, illegal, and cruel." He stated that the funding cuts would disproportionately affect households with children, who make up 45% of SNAP recipients in Illinois. The lawsuit also claims that each dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.54 in economic activity, highlighting the significant impact on grocery stores and related industries.
Illinois stands to lose approximately $350 million in funds if the funding is cut off, which would be a blow to the state's economy. Food pantries have already begun bracing for longer lines due to federal cuts in other social programs like Medicaid. Grocery stores that accept SNAP payments also face significant economic losses, with SNAP spending leading to an output of about $1.3 billion in Illinois grocery and retailing industries.
The lawsuit seeks a federal judge's order to compel the Trump administration to use contingency reserve funds to continue funding the program for families who need it most throughout November.