LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall says wasteful spending in past years is to blame for the state’s inability to cover November SNAP benefits.
The Richland Republican argues that billions spent on bad economic development deals drained funds that could have supported the 1.4-million residents who rely on food assistance.
Hall said lawmakers kept the government open by passing a smaller budget with $800-million in cuts aimed at waste and fraud.
He also called for ending cash incentives for corporations and shifting to performance-based job programs handled by the Treasury Department.
SNAP benefits are being impacted by the federal government shutdown that has been ongoing since October 1 with majority Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate being unable to pass a budget bill.
Food pantries throughout west Michigan are busy with people who are losing their SNAP benefits on November 1 due to that government shutdown.
Michiganders were told this month that they will not have a payment made to their Bridge Card accounts November 1 if the shutdown drags on.
In Grand Rapids, Northwest Food Pantry served 884 families in September, up 11% from 2024, and the uptick is expected to continue. Officials there want SNAP funding restored because of the impact it has on them and others.
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