Rhode Island Leaders React to Judge McConnell Reinstating SNAP (Complaints Included): Plaintiff Bonnie Piekarski of The Milagros Project, Congressman Seth Magaziner (Video Statement), Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and More!
Two near simultaneous court decisions … one from Massachusetts … another from Rhode Island … have apparently have the force of law to prompt the Trump Administration to use an existing surplus to fund SNAP. While we have yet to see the actual written rulings? U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani (Massachusetts) ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP … a oral bench ruling from U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. is supporting SNAP as well. What is unknown? A. Whether the Trump Administration will appeal either ruling .. or B. If the Trump Administration complies? How quickly SNAP benefits will be delivered.
www.CoalitionNews.com will be following this all weekend. Our “Sister” Organization, Libertarian Mutual Aid.org will be at the Milagros Project, a plaintiff in the dispute, delivering food and water, Saturday afternoon at 3PM
Bonnie Piekarski – Co Founder The Milagros Project: A Plaintiff in the Lawsuit
Todays victory against the potential non release of SNAP benefits is crucial. We do most of our work in Woonsocket where so many people depend on these benefits to eat. While the Government may be at odds, the Community doesn’t have to be. People need to continue to work together and advocate with each other to make sure our most vulnerable do not suffer. This is the power of Community.
Editorial Note: The food drop off at the Milagros Project tomorrow, Saturday November 1, is still being held. 3:00PM The Milagros Project 122 North Main Street, Woonsocket Rhode Island
<iframe src=”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tRoJJV8hKC3L4zCPNerq9OXHRDCGRoyb/preview” width=”640″ height=”480″ allow=”autoplay”></iframe>
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP,
Congressman Seth Magaziner Provides a Video Statement
Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley
“This court ruling is a victory for the thousands of families and seniors who rely on SNAP benefits in Providence and will provide critical relief for families across the nation. I am incredibly proud that the City of Providence, as one of the lead plaintiffs in this lawsuit, was able to restore critical funding to provide food security for our neighbors. Suspending funding for food is cruel and threatens the stability of families who are already struggling. I continue to call on the Trump Administration and the federal government to permanently restore funding for this important program.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
“Today’s ruling found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend SNAP benefits was likely unlawful. While this ruling may offer last-minute relief for the many who rely on SNAP, I urge the federal government to honor it now and for Secretary Rollins to use not only the department’s contingency fund but also her transfer authority to increase benefits. Connecticut Department of Social Services is prepared to issue November benefits as soon as USDA authorizes payment. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with our community food networks.
“For millions of families, seniors, and Americans with disabilities, SNAP is a lifeline and one that should have never been cut off. Here in Connecticut, we acted quickly, providing $3 million in emergency funding to ensure that no family goes hungry because of dysfunction in Washington.
“In Connecticut, we take care of our own and will continue to stand by our residents until this federal shutdown is resolved.”
Rhode Island Complaint
RI-Council-of-Churches-v.-Rollins-Complaint-with-attachments
Massachusetts Complaint
Commonwealth of Massaschuetts SNAP Complaint
