Arizona SNAP recipients to Receive November Benefits Despite Federal Shutdown, Potential Federal Repercussions
Arizona SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with funds available for November should continue using their EBT cards, despite ongoing legal challenges surrounding benefit distribution, according to state officials. Richie Taylor, a spokesperson, stated, “So people are likely spending their benefits. Obviously, the attorney general believes if people have money on their cards adn need to buy food for their families they should do that.”
The situation stems from two federal court rulings rejecting the USDA‘s claim that the October government shutdown and lack of Congressional funding for SNAP necessitated a halt to November payments. Both judges noted the USDA possessed a $5 billion contingency fund and dismissed the argument that these funds couldn’t be utilized to cover the shortfall.
Judge John McConnell Jr. presented the USDA with two options: promptly distribute benefits using the contingency fund, or fully fund benefits – possibly costing up to $9 billion – using other available funds, with a timeframe extension granted in the latter case. The USDA initially agreed to pursue the contingency fund option, seemingly acknowledging a legal obligation to do so. Though, the agency later cited “procedural difficulties” that could delay partial payments for “a few weeks to up to several months.”
Judge McConnell expressed concern over the management’s motives, stating, “The court is not naive to the administration’s true motivations,” and asserting it was ”clear that the administration is withholding full SNAP benefits for political purposes.” He subsequently removed the partial benefits option and ordered full benefits to be made available by friday.
Following McConnell’s order, the Arizona Department of Economic Security announced it had “approved the transmission of benefit payment files for arizona SNAP recipients to receive full benefits from USDA for November.”
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a lead plaintiff in one of the cases challenging the benefit delays, has pledged to defend the state against any potential federal penalties. According to Taylor, “The attorney general will absolutely fight any attempt to hold states liable for the federal government’s dereliction of their duties.”
The outcome of a potential Senate vote on a continuing resolution to reopen the government, and its impact on SNAP funding, remains unclear. As of Sunday, the appellate court had not scheduled a date to review the administration’s appeal of Judge McConnell’s order. This leaves open the possibility that Arizona, while currently providing benefits to its recipients, could face financial repercussions from the federal government.
