Bauer calls on Indiana Attorney General to take legal action to restore SNAP funding for Hoosier families

Today, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) called on Indiana’s attorney general to take immediate legal action to compel the federal government to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds currently frozen as the federal government shutdown continues.

Nearly 600,000 Hoosiers rely on SNAP benefits each month to put food on the table.

“Hoosier families are once again caught in the middle of a political fight they didn’t ask for,” Bauer said. “While Congress stalls, our state has the power to act. The attorney general should join other states in taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that families who rely on SNAP are not left without food.”

Bauer emphasized that the state has both the authority and responsibility to protect residents when federal gridlock threatens their basic needs.

“Our leaders must act with empathy and urgency,” Bauer said. “This is not about partisanship — it’s about people. No family should be forced to go hungry because of political games in Washington.”

She also reiterated her support for State Rep. Gregory W. Porter's (D-Indianapolis) proposal to temporarily use state contingency funds to ensure no lapse in food assistance while federal funding is restored.

Bauer noted that while the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program currently has limited short-term funding, that support could expire within weeks if the shutdown continues. “Mothers, infants, and young children should never have to worry about access to formula, healthy food, or basic nutrition,” Bauer said.

Hoosiers in need of food assistance are encouraged to visit feedindiana.org or call 2-1-1 to locate a food pantry nearby.

“No Hoosier should go hungry because of politics,” Bauer added. “It’s time for empathy and action.”