Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson, Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 on Human Services, issued a strong statement condemning the Trump and Republican-led federal government shutdown that is forecasted to cut off federal SNAP (CalFresh) benefits beginning November 1.

If the shutdown continues past October 31, over 5.5 million Californians, including parents, children, seniors, and low-wage workers will lose access to essential food assistance. This federal failure threatens billions in benefits that help families afford groceries and feed their loved ones as the holidays approach.

“This is a moral failure,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “Trump and the Republicans are holding working families hostage by shutting down the government and cutting off the food lifeline for millions. California will continue to stand up for our communities, but we cannot backfill billions of dollars stolen from our communities by the Trump Administration.”

Governor Newsom will fast-track $80 million in state funding to food banks and deploy the California National Guard in a support capacity to meet increased demand. However, the state emphasizes that these efforts cannot replace the scale of federal funding lost under the Republican shutdown.

“This is not a drill. Trump’s government shutdown is literally taking food away from our kids,” said Speaker Robert Rivas. “But when Republicans fail to lead, Assembly Democrats, including Dr. Corey Jackson, will do everything in our power to help parents and seniors pay for groceries and celebrate the holidays, because it’s our job to fight for programs that put food on the table.”

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson represents Assembly District 60, which includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, a small portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet.