Milwaukee County supervisors propose $150,000 for emergency food benefit funding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There is more confusion and concern for the immediate future of food benefits after President Trump said on social media SNAP benefits will only be released when the government shutdown is resolved.

It contradicts what he said just a few days ago, as well as his administration's messaging and two court rulings. Regardless of what happens next, benefits for more than 40 million people will continue to be delayed.

A new plan from some Milwaukee County supervisors could try to fill the gap locally as best they can. The supervisors propose shifting $150,000 to provide emergency food assistance. They're convinced this plan will help a lot faster than the federal government will help.

Supervisor Justin Bielinski told us, “To be able get some money out the door right away is really important.”

With SNAP funds tied up in Washington politics and bureaucracy, a proposed county resolution says, “It is both prudent and necessary for Milwaukee County to quickly respond.”

The proposal would shift $150,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to directly buy fresh food through trusted community partners.

Board Chair Marcelia Nicholson told us, “It’s about getting groceries on tables fast, not adding red tape.”

The emergency funding is meant to bridge the gap through the holidays for families hit hardest.

Bielinski said, “There’s a lot of confusion right now, unfortunately, and that’s where people rely on their local governments to be a little more certain.”

The money would come from a contingency fund, not from any other programs.

Bielinski said it’s not a lot of money, but it’s what the county can afford right now.

With budget stressors seemingly everywhere, and the federal government recently denying the request for aid for public storm damage, “I don’t know how we continue to fund food assistance for the foreseeable future,” Bielinski said.

Right now, food benefits are not coming from anywhere else.

Days after saying, “it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding" if the courts allow, the President said on social media Tuesday that SNAP benefits will be given only when the government reopens, and not before.

Hours later, the White House said the money will be sent out. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The recipients of these SNAP benefits need to understand it's going to take some time.”

But those partial November payments are still expected to take weeks.

At the state level, Republican leadership has, so far, shied away from using state funds for food benefits. Democratic State Sen. LaTonya Johnson told us, “I haven't heard them have any conversations about bringing any money to the pot to help out with this situation.”

And so county supervisors say they have to do whatever they can.

Bielinski said, “It’s not something the county can do on its own, certainly not for long. But what are we even doing if we’re not trying to do something?”

Both Bielinski and Nicholson anticipate strong bipartisan support. The resolution could pass the Finance Committee and full board Thursday.

The sponsors also want to consider more emergency funding in December.