In the ongoing tussle between state governments and federal authorities, Nevada has announced it is joining a coalition of states in a lawsuit aimed at preventing cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the current government shutdown. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford strongly criticized the federal government for the potential suspension of food benefits that support nearly half a million Nevadans.
"Contingency funds exist for this exact scenario, yet the USDA has decided to abdicate its responsibility to Nevadans and refused to fund SNAP benefits," Ford said in a statement obtained by News 3 Las Vegas. The strain on the beneficiaries is further compounded as the state admits it does not have funds necessary to cover the program.
Governor Joe Lombardo, expressing his concern regarding the matter, has initiated the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan to offer some relief. This plan hopes to pull from the $30.2 million IFC Contingency Fund and an additional $8.6 million in emergency work programs, according to News 3 Las Vegas. The Interim Finance Committee is scheduled to deliberate on these proposals.
The multi-state lawsuit, which garnered support from attorney generals across 23 states and the District of Columbia, claims the USDA's decision to withhold contingency funds is unlawful. "The Trump Administration’s choice to cut SNAP benefits is not only a deliberate, cruel and extraordinarily harmful decision, it is unlawful. And the reason it cites — the ongoing federal government shutdown — is inadequate," Aaron Ford stated, as cited in a report by KTNV. The lawsuit contends that more than just program recipients will be impacted; local governments, schools, and food pantries will also feel the strain due to increased demand that current supplies will not be able to meet.
There are concerns that SNAP benefits, typically funded to the tune of roughly $90 million per month in Nevada, will not arrive as of November 1. The USDA defends its use of contingency funds for more immediate emergencies like "hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods," emphasizing that reimbursements will not be available for states that offer their own funding solutions. This action has prompted Ford to urge fellow officials, including the Governor, to address this critical issue. "I urge Governor Lombardo to do the same and to work with his party and President Trump to ensure that Nevadans receive their SNAP benefits," Ford continued in his passionate plea reported by KTNV.
