1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The ongoing government shutdown is causing severe harm to Arizona's economy and vulnerable families. I urge you to take immediate action to restore SNAP benefits and end this unnecessary crisis. Over 855,000 Arizonans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables. In September alone, more than $155 million in SNAP benefits were issued in our state. The Arizona Department of Economic Security's instruction to pause November SNAP benefits will have devastating consequences for these individuals and families. This pause doesn't just affect SNAP recipients; it threatens the livelihood of small businesses across Arizona. Take Reggie's BBQ in Phoenix, owned by Kathy and Reggie McKinley, as an example. Approximately 60% of their business comes from EBT transactions. The sudden halt of SNAP benefits could force them and countless other small businesses to lay off workers or even close their doors permanently. The economic impact of this shutdown extends far beyond individual families. SNAP benefits play a crucial role in stimulating local economies. When SNAP recipients spend their benefits at local grocery stores and restaurants, it creates a multiplier effect, supporting jobs and businesses throughout our communities. Experts warn of both humanitarian and economic crises if SNAP benefits are not promptly restored. Children may go hungry, and local economies could suffer significant setbacks. This is not a partisan issue – it's about the well-being of our state and its citizens. I implore you to prioritize ending the government shutdown and ensuring the immediate restoration of SNAP benefits. Our communities cannot afford to wait. Take action now to protect Arizona's families, support our small businesses, and strengthen our local economies. The longer this shutdown continues, the more severe and long-lasting the damage will be to our state.