OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, released the following statements after it was announced that federal funding for SNAP will be suspended beginning November 1, 2025, because of the federal government shutdown.

“Just as we predicted earlier this month, Oklahomans are paying the price of our federal delegation refusing to work together. Over 684,600 Oklahomans–mainly the elderly, veterans, and children– rely on SNAP benefits, and now that burden will be placed on local community resources who are already overwhelmed. This is a direct result of those in Congress not doing the job they were elected to do to serve their constituents and protect the services and jobs on which Oklahomans rely. I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of local community resources as they need. I further urge the federal delegation to consider the consequences that will only continue to worsen the longer this shutdown continues and to do what needs to be done to protect Oklahomans who are just trying to make it by each day.” –House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City

“Oklahoma families are going to suffer because the Republican controlled federal government won’t compromise. This will be a hard Thanksgiving unless we learn to compromise. I’m calling on our state’s federal delegation to come up with a deal that protects essential services for working families.” –Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa

“Oklahomans are already struggling to afford food, and halting SNAP benefits in November will be devastating for families and seniors who are barely making ends meet. SNAP is our state’s safety net against hunger. While nonprofits and churches will do their best to step up, they simply cannot fill the gap this would create.” –Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City

“I’m worried for the families who will have to make even more tough decisions this holiday season due to bad choices in Washington D.C. In a time where government leaders should be working to end hunger, this move will only make hunger more severe and widespread. People deserve better. Since the federal government has failed us once again, it is my hope that all of my colleagues work together to meet needs and fund programs at the state level to keep people fed.” –Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) says that unless the federal government resolves the shutdown, no new SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1. Recipients can continue using their current SNAP benefits and any remaining balance on their EBT card through October 31.

OKDHS says it is unclear whether existing balances will remain available beginning in November.

For now, OKDHS recommends continuing to use your benefits through October and to plan and budget in order to get the best use of your existing SNAP benefits.

Recipients are to continue to submit all eligibility and recertification paperwork as usual and are encouraged to check on updates from OKDHS as they arrive.

Local resources can be found on the Be a Neighbor page.

-END-