Democrats in the Legislature shouldn’t expect much of a response from the Governor’s Office to their plea to provide extra help ahead of the impending interruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments.
The fallout is poised to affect nearly 3 million Floridians in the next few days.
Instead, Ron DeSantis suggests Democratic state lawmakers send a letter to the leading Democrat in the U.S. Senate instead.
“Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending?” DeSantis said at the University of South Florida when asked about a letter from Democrats in the Legislature asking him to declare a state of emergency, bolster food distribution programs, and provide universal free school meals until the impasse is resolved.
The ongoing shutdown of the federal government is now in its 29th day, with disagreements over differing thresholds to pass a so-called “clean” continuing resolution to fund federal activities.
While the U.S. House could pass the measure with a simple majority, Senate Republicans continue to fall short of getting enough Democrats to cross over for the 60 votes needed to do the same.
Democrats note that 60% of SNAP participants are in families with children.
“This governor has never had a problem loudly using the power of the state and its resources to pursue his own personal ambitions. Now, when Floridians need it most, he cannot remain silent,” said Fentrice Driskell, the leader of House Democrats, in a statement accompanying the letter.
Like DeSantis, the United States Department of Agriculture blames Senate Democrats for the impasse.
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the Department said.
“At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
Republicans have repeatedly claimed Senate Democrats are privileging transgender issues and health care for undocumented immigrants in blocking the CR. Democrats argue their interest is in extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that 4.7 million legal Floridians, most of whom aren’t going through gender reassignment, rely on currently.
