Earlier today, U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration (PDF) to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November. This court order essentially ends a funding hold that began when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would not direct benefits to the state beginning November 1st due to the Government shutdown.
“I am grateful that Judge McConnell recognized this for what it is, an emergency for American families created by the Trump administration that is choosing to withhold funds from the SNAP program,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Michigan is taking every step possible to get this benefit into the pockets of our residents and I applaud the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for their quick action following this ruling.”