Antonio Thanks DeWine for Food Assistance Executive Order, Calls for Additional Support

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement following Governor DeWine’s decision to sign an executive order to provide up to $25 million for food assistance for Ohioans affected by the federal government shutdown.

“Ohio’s children, mothers, veterans, and families should not have to wonder whether they will be able to put food on their tables. I am grateful that the governor joined us in recognizing the seriousness of this moment,” said Leader Antonio. “While we’re glad the governor has taken steps to protect Ohio families that are caught in the middle of political debates taking place in Washington, this is not nearly enough to make up for the potential gap in funding.”

Following the Republican budget’s drastic cuts in funding to food banks, Ohio Senate Democrats offered an amendment yesterday that would fund SNAP, WIC, and TANF if federal funding lapses through the use of Ohio’s almost $4 billion “rainy day fund” to ensure that over 1.4 million Ohioans won’t go hungry during the federal government shutdown. Every Senate Republican voted against the amendment.

Senate Democrats also sent a letter to DeWine earlier today, urging him to do everything in his power to protect vulnerable Ohioans.