AFSCME Council 5 Responds to Federal Government Threats to Food and Economic Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Max Hall
612-247-3725
Max.Hall@afscmemn.org

AFSCME Council 5 Responds to Federal Government Threats to Food and Economic Assistance

South St. Paul, MN - AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Bart Andersen released the following statement after the federal government announced it will no longer accept new applications for food assistance and other benefits that keep food on the table and the lights on for families:

"Our union stands firmly with the working people and families who are being hurt by this reckless, arbitrary, and unnecessary decision to cut off essential resources for families by those who refuse to pass legislation to keep insurance premiums from skyrocketing and protecting health care. Every day that Congress fails to act, millions of Americans — including hardworking union members — face greater uncertainty about how they’ll feed their families, pay their bills, and keep a roof over their heads.

"This decision by the federal government to block approvals for new SNAP (food assistance) applications will leave families to fend for themselves amidst uncertainty. Minnesota families who rely on SNAP and MFIP benefits will see their November aid payments cut off entirely if nothing is done to reverse this decision.

"These services are not handouts — they are lifelines that ensure children, seniors, and workers can meet their most basic needs while they continue contributing to our communities.

"This crisis is not abstract. It will affect farmers, public service workers, and countless families across our state who depend on the stability these programs provide. Working people built these programs through our taxes, our advocacy, and our labor and we will not stand by while political games put them at risk.

"We demand that Congress immediately —

Pass legislation to reverse their decision to stop new SNAP applications, end the shutdown, prevent health insurance premium cost spikes, stop the closures of rural clinics and hospitals, and restore full funding for critical programs like SNAP and MFIP. Minnesotans deserve a government that works for us — not one that leaves working families to bear the cost of this dysfunction and cater to billionaires and mega-profitable corporations.

"Our union remains united in our belief that every worker, every family, and every community deserves the security of knowing that food will be on the table and affordable, accessible health care will be within reach. It’s time for Congress to do its job — reopen the government, protect these essential programs, and put people before politics."

AFSCME Council 5 represents more than 43,000 workers, including thousands of county workers across our state who administer SNAP, MFIP, and other benefits to community members.

Stay tuned. AFSCME Council 5 intends to hold media availabilities across the state soon in response to this decision.

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