Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has responded to a recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend a lower court’s order requiring full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"It is despicable the lengths the Trump Administration will go to to block food assistance for 42 million Americans, including families, seniors, veterans and active military,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Thanks to the quick actions from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, some Michiganders were able to receive their benefits this week, but access to food is not a legal game. I will not be deterred despite the President’s continued maneuverings and will continue to fight until every qualified resident receives the benefits they rightfully deserve.”

The Supreme Court's ruling follows several decisions made by the Trump administration in recent weeks regarding SNAP funding. On October 24, SNAP funding for November was stopped despite available funds. On November 3, only partial benefits were provided even though a federal court had outlined how full benefits could be distributed. The administration then appealed court orders on November 6 and again on November 7 after initial requests were denied.

“These choices by this administration put Americans last and literally takes the food off of American dinner tables,” Nessel continued. “These choices unnecessarily force our family, friends and neighbors to prioritize between necessities like buying groceries or filling prescriptions. I implore the Trump Administration to stand down and ensure that Americans are fed throughout this protracted shutdown.”

Following a Rhode Island court order, over 200,000 Michigan households received their SNAP benefits earlier than usual through action taken by state health officials. However, with the Supreme Court's decision, future distribution of full benefits is now uncertain.

Attorney General Nessel has joined with 25 other states and Washington D.C. in a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court seeking an order that would require full use of all available federal funds for SNAP. The coalition is also asking that additional sources be used if necessary due to ongoing delays caused by partial funding.