BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Monday said the state is considering joining legal action to keep federal low-income food assistance dollars flowing.
It comes as the government shutdown enters its fourth week, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding is expected ro run out on November 1.
State lawmakers and Governor Phil Scott were already expected to pass an additional $13 million for food benefits later this week that would temporarily fund the program. But in a statement on Monday, the governor said he is also working with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark to explore legal action.
“In the absence of the federal government acting to ensure that millions of vulnerable Americans have access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits they desperately need, states, including Vermont, are contemplating possible steps to support these vulnerable households and their families. These households include low-income families with children, veterans, older Vermonters, and individuals with disabilities,” Scott said.
Will SNAP EBT cards continue to work?
Vermont food benefit cards will continue to work if the government shutdown lingers. WCAX viewer Beth was among those asking if the EBT cards would continue to work after November 1.
The concerns came after officials last week said that the company that processes the payments was not getting paid, and that some 63,000 Vermonters who receive benefits would not be able to swipe their EBT cards at some 600 grocery stores.
But anti-hunger advocates with Hunger Free Vermont say the USDA later clarified that people will still be able to swipe their cards at the point of sale.
“The fear, the confusion, the uncertainty was impacting Vermonters across the state as well as our business owners. This is new, important information that clarifies what was a big concern last week,” said the group’s Ivy Enoch.
DCF officials have said people should continue to submit 3Squares applications, and that recipients are advised to check their EBT card balances before making purchases. Questions about individual cases can be directed to Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151.
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