The Louisiana Senate voted Wednesday to authorize the use of up to $150 million in state funds to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown.
The resolution passed 32-1 and matches a measure previously approved by the House of Representatives. It urges the Louisiana Department of Health to use available revenue sources to ensure that November benefits are distributed on schedule to about 800,000 residents.
Gov. Jeff Landry declared a statewide emergency earlier in the week to allow state funding to be used for the program. Legislative leaders said the move was necessary to prevent a lapse in benefits after federal funding was halted.
Senate President Cameron Henry said the decision gives state officials the authority they need to act quickly. “It’s our job as elected officials to cover that cost,” Henry said during debate.
The measure does not directly allocate the money but directs the Department of Health to front the costs with the expectation of reimbursement once normal funding resumes. Officials estimate that one month of benefits requires about $150 million.
Louisiana is among the first states to take steps to sustain food assistance payments during the federal shutdown. Lawmakers said they will continue monitoring the situation if additional funding is required in the coming weeks.
