Wisconsin Joins Federal Lawsuit Over SNAP Funding Suspension Impacting 700,000 Amid Shutdown

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, alongside a coalition of 22 other states and D.C., filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration to challenge the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the federal government shutdown. The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration is unlawfully refusing to use available emergency funds to continue SNAP payments, which assist about 700,000 Wisconsinites and roughly 40 million Americans nationwide. Governor Tony Evers emphasized that the administration's decision will force hundreds of thousands in Wisconsin, including many children, to lose access to essential food support starting November 1 unless the shutdown ends or funding is restored. The coalition contends that suspending SNAP violates federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act and has requested a temporary restraining order to immediately reinstate payments. State officials have warned that without intervention, SNAP benefits will run out, exacerbating food insecurity during the prolonged shutdown. Despite the crisis, Governor Evers stated that covering SNAP costs is a federal responsibility and the state is not currently planning to use its own funds to cover the shortfall.