CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — West Virginia House Democrats have formally sent a letter to Governor Morrisey requesting that he take immediate action to meet the shortfall in SNAP benefits for the month of November. The letter notes that “One in six of our neighbors use SNAP to put food on their tables. Nearly 100,000 children in our state rely on SNAP to eat. Half of all SNAP households in the state have a disabled or elderly member – a rate higher than the national average.”
Democratic legislators called on the Governor to use various contingency funds to address the shortfall in SNAP benefits, particularly as families across the state prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. Delegate Kayla Young (D–Kanawha) said, “Hunger is a policy choice. If Governor Morrisey and the GOP sincerely cared about making America healthy, they wouldn’t let children and vulnerable West Virginians start the holiday season not knowing when their next meal will be.”
Delegate Hollis Lewis (D–Kanawha) added, “Approximately 300,000 West Virginians rely on SNAP benefits, and 25% of residents live in food deserts. The loss of SNAP resources, even temporarily, would have a devastating impact on children, families, and our local economy. The Governor must do everything possible, including providing funding to prevent further food insecurity in our state.”
House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle (D–Cabell) echoed those concerns, calling on Governor Morrisey to act immediately to bridge the funding gap while federal operations remain stalled.
“No child should ever go hungry,” Hornbuckle said. “We have mechanisms that would allow USDA to help feed people. Still, this crisis was created by orders from the President and the GOP led government to stand down even though the emergency fund holds roughly $5 billion. Governor Morrisey and the legislature need to stand in solidarity to provide meaningful relief since the President refuses. If we can afford to send billions to Argentina and fund ballrooms, surely we can feed our children.”
Democrats emphasized that West Virginia has the means — and the moral obligation — to act. With the state’s contingency fund currently holding hundreds of millions of dollars, a temporary allocation would ensure that no West Virginian faces hunger while political games continue in D.C. In their letter, Democrats assured the Governor, “We stand ready to work with you to ensure no West Virginian goes hungry.”
For more information, call Mike Pushkin at 304-989-6856.
