HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Days after legally challenging the unlawful suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Oct. 31 that a federal judge has ruled in favor of Kentucky and 24 other states who demanded that funding be restored. The benefits were initially paused due to the ongoing government shutdown.
“It’s my job as Governor to stand up for Kentuckians, and I am thankful today’s rulings were in favor of helping the more than 40 million Americans and almost 600,000 Kentuckians – many of whom are children – access benefits that will provide them food and prevent hunger,” said Gov. Beshear in a news release.
In preparation of any delays for the restoration of benefits, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order to direct an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks. In his executive order, Beshear directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to “work with the Office of the State Budget Director to identify, allocate, and transfer funds as necessary from available sources to support the food banks during the lapse of SNAP funding.” The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is then instructed to provide the identified funds to Feeding Kentucky, according to a news release from the Governor’s office.
Local resources in Hopkinsville as benefits are restored, shutdown continues
As the government shutdown surpasses a month, there are several organizations and businesses in Hopkinsville that are assisting families during a time of financial uncertainty, along with places who are soliciting donations…