Read the letter from Steuben County to Congressman Langworthy
From Steuben County NY,
BATH, N.Y. — Steuben County is joining counties across New York and the nation in urging Congress and the President to take immediate bipartisan action to maintain federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
With federal gridlock threatening to halt both programs as early as November 1, Steuben County Legislature Chair Kelly H. Fitzpatrick has sent a formal letter to federal representatives, urging an immediate agreement to prevent service disruptions that would have devastating impacts on local residents and economies.
“Counties like Steuben are on the front lines of delivering these essential programs,” Chair Fitzpatrick said in the letter. “SNAP and HEAP are lifelines for families, seniors, and individuals meeting their most basic needs — food and heat. Any disruption would have an immediate and devastating effect on our communities, especially as colder weather approaches.”
Steuben County officials have remained in constant communication with both the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) as local governments across the country monitor the situation. However, there does not yet appear to be a federal solution.
County leaders emphasized that New York’s local governments do not have the capacity to absorb the loss of federal funding if a shutdown continues. A lapse in SNAP and HEAP benefits would not only harm residents but also reverberate throughout local economies — weakening small businesses, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets that depend on program-related spending.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every dollar in SNAP benefits generates more than $1.50 in local economic activity. In Steuben County alone, officials estimate roughly $2.2 million per month in potential lost benefits and associated revenue if the programs are interrupted.
Counties Nationwide Are United in the Call to Act
Steuben County joins NACo and counties nationwide in calling on Congress and the President to:
- Fully reopen the federal government and restore the reliability counties need to effectively serve their residents.
- Protect and fund SNAP and HEAP to ensure that families do not face hunger or heat insecurity this winter.
- Reinforce strong intergovernmental partnerships that sustain vital programs and services for communities across America.
Steuben County’s letter to Congress, signed by Chair Fitzpatrick on behalf of the Legislature, is attached below and has been sent to the county’s federal representatives in both the U.S. House and Senate.
