West Virginians, stop falling for the myth of the undeserving welfare recipient
The social safety net, including healthcare and food assistance, has faced significant challenges this year, putting the stability of millions of Americans at risk, including hundreds of thousands in West Virginia.
Nearly half of households receiving SNAP benefits have a member with a disability. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is federally funded but state-operated, providing essential food benefits to individuals and families in need.
The recent longest federal government shutdown brought SNAP funding and food security into the national spotlight. Throughout October, media and advocates warned that the program's funds might run out by the end of the month.
In response, Democratic state attorneys general filed lawsuits against the federal administration, demanding the use of reserve funds to maintain SNAP payments. A court ordered the continuation of funding nationwide.
Despite this court order, President Donald Trump appears to intend to provide support in a limited or inadequate way. Meanwhile, West Virginia remains affected by federal decisions, as state Attorney General J.B. McCuskey has not taken action to defend residents from federal cuts affecting jobs, programs, and funding.
The longest federal government shutdown in history has made food benefits, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a part of the national conversation over the last month.
States led by Democratic attorneys general sued the Trump administration to force it to use reserve funds to keep SNAP funding going. The court ordered the administration to do so for the whole country.
Author's summary: The ongoing attacks on social safety nets, including SNAP, threaten vulnerable West Virginians, while local leadership fails to actively protect them from harmful federal cuts.