The budget stalemate in Washington is hitting home.

On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced that, as of Oct. 16, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds would be frozen until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are disbursed to the state.

In Butler County, the freeze stands to impact nearly 15,000 people comprising about 9,300 households, or about 8% of the population, according to the latest U.S. Census data released in January.

According to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, nearly 60% of all households receiving SNAP benefits include children and more than 40% include members who are older adults or disabled.

For those receiving them, SNAP benefits are a vital lifeline helping to stave off food insecurity and hunger. For those families, SNAP benefits represent a means of stretching very limited dollars just a little further.

But it’s not just SNAP recipients who benefit from the program. Retailers selling SNAP-eligible items directly benefit from the influx of dollars store patrons otherwise wouldn’t have available to spend. Indirectly, those who produce, manufacture and transport those products benefit as well. A freeze on SNAP benefit disbursement will negatively impact them as well.

In fact, an analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service found that a hypothetical $1 billion in SNAP benefits actually results in a net increase in gross domestic product of up to $1.54 billion and can act as a stabilizer during economic downturns.

Given the widespread, impact of SNAP benefits in circulation, even a short-term freeze can trickle down to cause economic harm far beyond that suffered directly by recipients.

Considering this is just one example of the consequences of a federal government shutdown, it’s time for both parties to put politics aside, come to the table and compromise to pass a budget for the sake of the nation and the people who elected them to serve.

— JP