Maryland declares a state of emergency

SALSIBURY, Md. — Today Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a state of emergency and a plan to fund SNAP benefits, for now.

Governor Moore said, “I’m thankful that I live in a state that our people are so resilient. But I am absolutely heartbroken that the people of our state are being forced to be so resilient,” he added, “We are responding to the federal government’s dereliction of its duty by declaring a state of emergency inside the state of Maryland. >

With that, the governor is pushing out $10 million from the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Fund. The money set to reach local nonprofits, faith based organizations, food kitchens, farmers markets, school pantries and mobile food units.

Governor Moore said, “We protect our people in Maryland. We stand on the wall. We’re going to make sure our people okay.”

At The Christian Shelter in Salisbury, executive director Anthony Dickerson said while he’s encouraged to hear about the relief on the way. He said it’s a tough situation all around.

“$10 million could have went to other programs if he didn’t have to spend $10 million.” adding, “They have to pick and choose. And they shouldn’t they shouldn’t be in that situation, whether or not they have to pick and choose.”

The government shutdown now reaching a month, the second longest in US history. Governor Moore said no state can continue to bridge the gap for much longer.

“Withholding federal food assistance is not just illegal. It is cruel. 680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP to put food on the table. We’re talking about 120,000 older adults, 270,000 children, and 130,000 Marylanders with disabilities. This is real and the impacts that we are seeing are distinct.”