Without intervention, federal SNAP funding runs dry November 1. That’s left states scrambling to keep people fed.
In West Virginia, about 275,000 residents – many are children – rely on SNAP to avoid hunger. Governor Patrick Morrisey Tuesday afternoon announced a plan to deploy up to $13 million in state funds to keep benefits flowing — on top of an initial $1.1 million already committed. His proposal invites West Virginians to donate matching dollars, unlocking the full $13 million. Together, that could reach roughly $27 million in emergency aid.
Veteran newsman Brad McElhinny filed a complete story.
The problem? West Virginia needs $47 to $50 million a month to fully fund SNAP.
West Virginia Democrats urged the governor to cover the entire gap using his annual contingency funds. Morrisey responded in his presser Tuesday that he “won’t allow West Virginians to go hungry,” while blasting national Democrats for the “Schumer Shutdown.” Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) and need Democratic support. Democrats counter that Republicans control the government and should negotiate ACA tax credits as part of the broader budget deal.
Let’s unpack it.
Failure in Washington
As WV House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said during his remarks, the federal government has “abdicated its responsibility to do basic services and provide basic funding for the functions of government.” He noted it was unacceptable. That’s not partisan spin — it’s truth. Both parties share blame. Neither side owns the moral high ground when families can’t afford groceries because Congress can’t do its job. Reform and reliance on government over the course of time is one thing – a topic worthy of debate. Pulling the rug out from under people is another matter entirely.
The Carve-Out
Senator Shelley Moore Capito said Monday she’d support a SNAP carve-out — a standalone bill to keep the program funded while the larger fight continues. Reports suggest many in both parties would back it. Yet Majority Leader John Thune hasn’t shown urgency to bring it forward. To pass this week, all 100 senators would have to agree. That’s a long shot — but it shouldn’t be.
Capito’s right. Feeding families shouldn’t be a partisan exercise. Thune’s hesitation only makes Republicans look out of touch. Compassion doesn’t weaken a fiscal stance; it strengthens it.
Morrisey’s Response
The governor deserves credit for moving quickly — over $14 million so far is no small thing. But it’s not enough. The money is largely leftover COVID relief funds, by his own admission. He could eliminate the anxiety with a simple move: guarantee all $50 million now, then let federal backfill cover the cost once Washington acts.
Frankly, that wouldn’t be much different from using the rainy day fund as a cash-flow bridge — something the state already does almost every year.
Assistance from private donations is fine — it lets those who want government to do less “put their money where their mouth is.” But West Virginians need reassurance today, not uncertainty tomorrow.
A Way Forward
Senator Rand Paul has floated a practical compromise: form a six-member conference committee — three Democrats, three Republicans — to hash out the ACA tax-credit issue while Congress passes a short-term CR to fund the government for a month. That’s workable. It buys time, restores order, and takes states like West Virginia off the SNAP hook, especially when you consider four of the original CR’s seven weeks have elapsed with the shutdown.
It doesn’t have to be this way — if Washington would just try a little harder and care a little more.