Vermont Business Magazine Today, leaders in the Vermont House of Representatives announced plans to fully fund SNAP (3SquaresVT) and LIHEAP benefits in Vermont to stem the impact of the federal government shutdown impacting Vermonters. Without state action, over 65,000 Vermonters would lose access to these critical programs, which provide essential support for food security and heating fuel assistance to working families, low-income households, and older Vermonters.
Governor Scott said at his press conference Wednesday in Burlington that Congress seems more willing to fund LIHEAP than SNAP. In addition, the cost of SNAP in Vermont is $13 million a month. There also could be an issue with the EBT debit card used in 3SquaresVT going forward if not backed by the federal government.
“The Republican-led shutdown in Congress has created an incredible amount of uncertainty and anxiety for Vermonters, with people wondering how they will put food on the table and money to heat their homes,” said Speaker Jill Krowinski, joined by Representative Emilie Kornheiser, Representative Theresa Wood, and Representative Robin Scheu. “We know that there are other impacts stemming from President Trump’s budget bill, including the loss of financial assistance for health insurance, increased taxes on working families, and cuts to Medicare. However, the lack of funding for these programs is the most immediate impact before us and it is beyond belief that Vermonters should have to worry about how they will feed their families and heat their homes as we enter the coldest months of the year.”
Representatives Kornheiser and Scheu are members of the Vermont Emergency Board which includes two members from the Senate and the governor. The Legislature is working with Governor Scott and his Administration to schedule an Emergency Board meeting for next week and take swift action to ensure Vermonters do not lose these life-saving benefits.
“This is exactly why Vermont’s Legislative and executive leaders must work together to protect our neighbors,” the legislative leaders added. “No Vermonter should go without food or heat because of dysfunction in Washington. We’re ready to act, and we’ll keep showing up to make sure people get the support they need, now.”
For more information about 3SquaresVT please visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
For more information about LIHEAP please visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel
For more information about the Emergency Board, please visit: https://aoa.vermont.gov/Emergency-Board
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