Push on to have Ohio taxpayers cover government assistance shortfalls

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(The Center Square) – Ohio tax dollars, rather than federal, could be used to help low-income families if the federal government shutdown continues much longer.

A new bill in the state House of Representatives would take money from the state’s rainy day fund to cover any shutdown-related federal shortfall for SNAP, WIC and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

House Bill 502 is in the House Agriculture Committee. A hearing date has not been set.  

“It is imperative that we use every resource available to support Ohioans in this time of uncertainty,” Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus, said in a release. "Ensuring that our communities remain informed and empowered is among our highest priorities. Should the shutdown persist, I am fully committed to advancing House Bill 502 and ensuring it reaches the governor’s desk without delay."

About 1.4 million Ohioans receive federal assistance, and nearly 300,000 are eligible for all three programs. In October, the state received about $323.4 million in federal funds for the programs.

Ohio’s rainy day fund stands at $3.9 billion, the highest total in state history.

If the shutdown, in its 24th day Friday, continues, federal money for the programs is expected to run out Nov. 1.

“We are on the precipice of nearly one and a half million Ohioans not knowing how to put food on their tables starting Nov. 1,” said Mike Hochron, senior vice president of communications for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. "It’s critically important that we come together as a state and a community to ensure no one goes hungry."

Nearly 50 million people could be impacted nationally through WIC and SNAP benefits.

Also, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program – which offers early education, food assistance, and other support to low-income families – is struggling. The National Head Start Association recently warned that some local programs are barely scraping by on emergency resources.