(HARTFORD—WTIC News) Gov. Ned Lamont says a plan to use state reserves to maintain vital programs during the U.S. government shutdown is limited because of the vast extent of the federal funding that’s been cut off.
“We cannot make up all of this,” said Lamont at a Wednesday morning press conference in his Capitol office.
But some life-sustaining programs for low-income families are being upheld by the state, for now. Lamont says WIC nutritional support for mothers and their children will continue for now at a cost of about $5 million per month. SNAP food assistance will continue at least through October for about $72 million.
“So, I’m hoping that we can backstop and make sure people can rest assured that’s nothing’s gonna change dramatically for them, at least through the month of October, we can cover them.” said Lamont.
On WIC, Lamont said, “I want those young families, those moms, to know that your WIC card will continue to be good for the foreseeable future. We’re making sure that the government does not take that away from you.”
“This is 11 thousand women, 11 thousand infants, 30 thousand children who depend on food and breastfeeding supports, so (WIC) is really helping young families… who need food,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani. “So, we will require this backstop funding to be able to get us through.”
The governor’s office says the federally-funded public school lunch program has at least 90 days of funding secured. Policy and Management Secretary Jeff Beckham says funding for that program could be a concern down the road.
While hoping for a short shutdown, Lamont said he stands with Democrats, backing their ‘big ask’ that Republicans refuse to negotiate: that federal healthcare subsidies be extended, preventing a huge increase in Affordable Care Act insurance premiums.
“These guys in Washington have gotta get their act together,” said the governor. “Republicans have the House, they have the Senate, they have the presidency. Somehow (in Connecticut), we’re able to put together a budget... we get that done on a timely basis and give families and businesses some confidence that tomorrow’s gonna be a better day.”