Canton Dems respond to govt. shutdown

An open letter to Rep. Stephen Lynch, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Ed Markey, and the citizens of Canton:

We the members of the Canton Democratic Town Committee urge our elected officials and fellow residents to take action to protect and to help the people who are directly affected by the current federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown not only has impacted federal workers who have now missed a paycheck, it is also likely to have a negative impact on our fellow citizens who rely on SNAP benefits for their food. SNAP benefits (sometimes referred to a food stamps) are 100 percent funded by the federal government (although the state shares in administrative costs). Since the shutdown on December 21, the status of the SNAP program has been a concern. Fortunately, the December benefits were paid. In addition, SNAP recipients received the January payment and provisions have been made for the February payment to be made on or about January 20. Nonetheless, if the shutdown continues, it seems unlikely that SNAP recipients will receive March benefits.

Not only will that adversely impact SNAP recipients, it could also have an impact on local food pantries as SNAP recipients will further turn to them for assistance. In addition, unpaid federal workers, as well as many others increasingly affected by the shutdown, are likely to be turning to the food pantries for assistance the longer the shutdown goes on.

We thank our elected officials for their support of our most needy citizens. However, we are asking that they continue to advocate for the government to be re-opened, as well as advocate for emergency legislation to fund the SNAP program as the shutdown lingers.

We are also calling on our fellow residents of Canton to assist the food pantry with monetary and food donations. Regardless of the added stress on the pantry caused by the shutdown, our food pantry is always in need of assistance. There are many locations for food drop-off, including the Canton Public Library, Pratt Realtors, Canton Co-operative Bank, and the Bank of Canton. Monetary donations can be sent to Canton Area Helpline, PO Box 202, Canton, MA 02021. Donations may also be made online via the Food Pantry website at town.canton.ma.us/193/Canton-Food-Pantry.

To that end, the Canton Democratic Town Committee voted at its most recent meeting to make a $300 donation to the Canton Food Pantry. Thank you to the residents of Canton for your continued support of our food pantry.

Sincerely,

Canton Democratic Town Committee

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=49842

Posted by Canton Citizen on Jan 25 2019. Filed under Featured Content, From One Citizen to Another, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.