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CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons is demanding that federal lawmakers resolve the ongoing government shutdown and prevent the unnecessary stoppage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. With nearly two million Illinois residents relying on SNAP, immediate action is needed to provide access to basic nutrition for families across Illinois.

“In the 7th District, which includes the far north side of Chicago, 25,869 residents depend on SNAP. 7,086 of these residents ARE CHILDREN,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I know what it feels like to go to bed hungry, and as their state senator, I cannot stand idly by and allow any child, any senior, or any family to needlessly go hungry in my district. The United States is the richest nation in the world and allowing for SNAP assistance to cease is cruel, unacceptable, and inexcusable.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt SNAP benefits beginning November 1, putting millions at risk of hunger – including the 25,869 residents of the 7th District, of whom 7,086 are children and more than 8,000 are seniors.

Simmons is adamant that a long-term solution and immediate federal intervention is required.

“During previous federal government shut-downs, the USDA stepped in to provide emergency support, allowing SNAP benefits to continue. We need that same emergency measure now,” said Simmons. “Access to food and nutrition is the most basic, elemental human need and people depend on SNAP in every corner of this country. Food pantries and mutual aid organizations cannot sustain supporting tens of millions on SNAP - we must resolve this issue now.”

Simmons plans to provide direct mutual aid assistance in the coming weeks through his district office, as well as coordinate with state officials and community organizations to make sure as many people receive help as possible during the federal government shutdown.

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