Republicans refuse to support Porter’s recommendation to fund SNAP and food banks, Porter appeals to Braun

At today’s State Budget Committee (SBC) meeting, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), recommended the allocation of state funding to prevent the pause of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In May of this year, 586,403 Indiana residents used SNAP, with around 69% of participants being families with children.

Republican members of the SBC voted against the recommendations. Porter’s request includes: 

• Calling on Gov. Mike Braun or the State Board of Finance to allocate $112 million to the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to cover SNAP for all recipients, including any missed payments. 

• In September of 2025, Indiana SNAP cost $111.4 million, or an average of $195 per recipient. 

• If the shutdown does not last the entirety of November, the rest of the $112 million will be reverted to the General Fund. 

• Provide an additional $10 million to Indiana’s food banks for each month of the shutdown, if it continues. 

“This isn’t about the dollars, it’s about the people behind them,” Porter said. “This isn’t an outlandish request. I wish I could say I’m surprised by Republicans' refusal to support this, but I’m not. Our leaders aren’t even willing to discuss or look into ways we can prevent this. Louisiana, New Hampshire and Virginia are finding ways to bridge the gap.

“The tools are in the tool chest: $2.5 billion in reserves, above forecast revenues and $300 million in the budget. SNAP recipients receive an average of $6.50 per day – only six bucks and some change. If that doesn’t break your heart that families are going hungry, then I don’t know what will. 

“Since Gov. Braun has time for corrupt efforts to redistrict, I hope he can find some time to put food on families’ tables.”