As a federal government shutdown threatens food assistance for hundreds of thousands of Arizona families, Representative Walt Blackman is demanding action from state and federal leaders.
Blackman, who represents rural Arizona, says more than 400,000 families and 800,000 people across the state depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. With the shutdown dragging on, those benefits could be interrupted.
"Washington's gridlock is causing real harm," Blackman warned. He's calling on Arizona's two Democratic U.S. Senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, to vote to end the shutdown.
According to Blackman, both senators have voted against keeping the government open. "They can help end this shutdown today. It's time they do their job."
Blackman isn't just pointing fingers at Washington, though. He's also urging Governor Katie Hobbs to prepare Arizona for the worst-case scenario by declaring a State of Emergency.
Arizona’s Funding
If SNAP funding stops, Blackman wants the state to step in with its own resources. His plan includes releasing emergency state funds, coordinating with food banks like St. Mary's and Desert Mission, and setting up temporary food distribution centers.
Cactus Politics reported that Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 22 other state attorneys general in demanding answers from the federal government. They sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking why the agency told states to freeze November SNAP payments,
Both leaders agree that the crisis would hit Arizona's most vulnerable residents hardest. Almost 30,000 Arizona veterans rely on SNAP, along with countless children and seniors.
While Mayes is pushing the federal government for answers, Blackman wants Arizona to prepare its own emergency response in case Washington doesn't act in time.
Blackman's message is clear. Federal leaders should resolve the shutdown immediately, but Arizona needs a backup plan ready.
"Kelly, Gallego, and Hobbs could end this crisis today by putting politics aside," he said.
