WV Governor Morrisey Urges End to Shutdown to Restore State Food Program Funding

Addressing the SNAP Funding Gap

• 💡 Governor Patrick Morrisey is calling for an end to the government shutdown to restore funding for state food programs, specifically SNAP benefits.
• 🎯 The current estimates suggest that West Virginia needs between $45 and $50 million per month for SNAP benefits, with current measures only covering halfway through November.

State and Private Sector Efforts

• 💰 The state has already accelerated $1.1 million and is working to secure up to $13 million, with a strong hope for private sector contributions.
• ⚠️ Morrisey acknowledges that the state cannot permanently absorb the full cost of SNAP benefits but is committed to helping those in need.

Call to Action and Future Outlook

• 📢 The governor frames the situation as a call to action for lawmakers to negotiate an end to the shutdown, which would ideally resolve the funding issue.
• ✅ He emphasizes that the administration's pattern is to say what they do and do what they say, and they will continue to monitor the situation daily.
• 🗓️ A decision on further state action will be made based on the evolving circumstances, but the immediate priority is to prevent West Virginians from going hungry.