Michigan Democrats Move Legislation to Prevent Food Assistance Delay

October 30, 2025

Michigan state lawmakers are developing emergency legislation to address a federal delay in SNAP benefits that threatens food assistance for approximately 1. 4 million residents. The Senate Democrats passed a $71 million supplemental spending bill, while House Democrats proposed a separate $600 million plan to fund SNAP through December, following the USDA's announcement that the program will pause on November 1 during the federal shutdown.

Who is affected

Approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents (nearly 13% of households) who receive SNAP benefits
Families with children (43% of SNAP recipients)
Older adults and disabled individuals (36% of SNAP recipient families)
Seniors, veterans, and Michiganders on fixed incomes
Local farmers and grocers who benefit from SNAP spending
Nonprofit and faith-based food providers
Food banks and pantries across Michigan

What action is being taken

Senate Democrats passed a $71 million supplemental spending bill (SB 182) with a 27-4 vote
House Democrats unveiled a plan to allocate around $600 million for SNAP benefits through December
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is leading a coalition of Democratic governors in a plea to the White House
State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips is introducing legislation to provide food to vulnerable people and support food banks
State officials are directing SNAP participants to reach out to local MDHHS offices or check MI Bridges for updates

Why it matters

SNAP serves as a critical lifeline for Michigan's most vulnerable populations, functioning as the nation's largest and most effective food assistance program for reducing food insecurity. The program's suspension threatens basic food access for 1.4 million people, including significant numbers of children, elderly, and disabled residents, during a period of rising food costs and approaching winter months when needs typically increase. Beyond individual households, SNAP benefits support the broader state economy by sustaining local farmers, grocers, and communities, making the disruption's impact far-reaching across Michigan's social and economic landscape.

What's next

The Senate bill (SB 182) cannot be brought up for a House vote for five days
State lawmakers are working to collaborate with constituents, nonprofit and faith-based food providers, and retailers
It remains unclear whether the Republican-controlled House will take up the Senate legislation or if House Democrats will push through separate legislation
SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with questions or check MI Bridges for updates

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle