Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, a Michigan State Senator, expressed concerns over the impact of the federal government shutdown on residents, particularly regarding interruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. He urged Michigan’s U.S. senators to reconsider their stance and support reopening the government. Nesbitt made these remarks on X.

"Michigan is already sending out notices about interruptions to SNAP benefits," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Senator Gary Peters have voted over a dozen times to keep the government shutdown with no regard for who it hurts. It's time for them to put America FIRST and END the shutdown."

In late October 2025, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced that SNAP benefit payments scheduled for November would be paused "until further notice." This decision came after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed the pause due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and insufficient funding. The interruption affects approximately 1.4 million Michiganders—about 13% of the state's households—with 43% being families with children and 36% older adults or disabled adults. According to a state news release, this situation underscores how federally funded programs depend on appropriations, leaving state beneficiaries vulnerable during federal shutdowns.

According to data compiled by USAFacts using USDA administrative records, about 1.47 million people in Michigan received SNAP benefits on average per month in fiscal year 2024, representing roughly 14.5% of the state's population.

On September 19, 2025, the Senate considered H.R. 5371, a continuing resolution funding bill; however, it failed to pass with a vote of 44–48. Public records do not specify individual votes by Elissa Slotkin or Gary Peters on this matter.

Nesbitt is a Republican member of the Michigan Senate representing the 20th District, which includes Van Buren County and parts of Allegan, Berrien, and Kent Counties. He has served as Senate Minority Leader since January 2023 and previously held the position of Senate President Pro Tempore from 2019 to 2022. Nesbitt is affiliated with the Michigan Republican Party and has emphasized state-federal fiscal coordination and local control of programs.

The Michigan Senate serves as the upper chamber of the Michigan Legislature, consisting of 38 senators elected to four-year terms under Article IV of the Michigan Constitution. It plays a crucial role in state lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight of state-administered programs including human services and U.S.-funded programs like SNAP in coordination with state executive agencies.