Wisconsin Gov Evers Declares Emergency Amid Federal Shutdown Risking FoodShare Benefits for 700,000

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and a period of abnormal economic disruption due to the ongoing federal government shutdown threatening the lapse of FoodShare (SNAP) benefits for nearly 700,000 state residents. The declaration empowers state agencies to take necessary actions, including cracking down on price gouging and directing resources to mitigate economic impacts on vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and veterans. Despite federal court rulings ordering the Trump administration to use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits, it remains uncertain if the administration will comply, causing delays and increased food insecurity. The shutdown has led to increased demand at food banks and uncertainty for many families relying on these benefits. Governor Evers highlighted the critical need for federal funding to sustain these essential programs and pledged to support affected Wisconsinites through state measures within his authority. The situation underscores ongoing political disputes in Washington over the government shutdown and federal aid extensions, directly impacting food assistance programs in Wisconsin.