President Mattie Daughtry responds to Governor’s announcement on food assistance funding

AUGUSTA, ME — Senate President Mattie Daughtry today issued the following statement regarding an announcement by Governor Janet Mills that she will distribute $1.25 million in state funds to Good Shepherd Food Bank and other hunger prevention programs to address the devastating withholding of Federal food benefits for November:

“I’m deeply worried about the many Mainers who depend on food assistance to stay afloat. It’s unconscionable that the federal government would use hunger as a bargaining chip. I’m pleased that the Governor has taken quick action to get Mainers fed, even as vital food and nutrition support are being held hostage by political games in Washington. At the same time, these funds are a temporary bandage to a catastrophic federal failure. I, and my caucus, will work tirelessly to find creative ways to lessen the impact of these cruel cuts, while continuing to demand the Trump administration reinstate these funds and fulfill their obligation to the people who elected them.

Maine has a long tradition of caring for each other, and we will continue to do everything possible at the state level to protect our neighbors, support our food and nutrition networks, and fight hunger. No one in our state should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.”

President Daughtry spoke earlier this week on this, outlining what is at stake for the more than 42 million Americans and nearly 170,000 Mainers who rely on SNAP assistance.

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