State Representatives Viola Davis, Sandra Scott, and Kim Schofield have called on Governor Brian Kemp to provide emergency state funding for Georgia families at risk of losing food and healthcare assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
In a letter sent to the governor, the three legislators urged immediate action to use part of Georgia’s budget surplus to help residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Medicaid. Rep. Davis said, “Georgia cannot stand by while our families starve and our hospitals struggle. We are urging Governor Kemp to use a fraction of our state’s nearly $15 billion surplus to ensure no child or senior is left hungry during the holidays.”
Rep. Scott added, “Many Georgians live one paycheck away from crisis. When SNAP and Medicaid stop, families lose food, medicine and stability. We cannot allow partisan gridlock in Washington to punish Georgia’s most vulnerable.”
Rep. Schofield stated, “This is not just a budget issue; it’s a moral test. When the federal government fails, states must step up. Food and healthcare are not luxuries – they are basic human rights.”
The lawmakers warned that over one million Georgians—including children, seniors, and veterans—could miss November SNAP payments if federal operations remain halted. These benefits are usually distributed between November 5 and 23 but will be delayed until the shutdown ends. The delay could result in increased hunger around Thanksgiving.
They also raised concerns about potential risks for Medicaid recipients and rural hospitals if federal reimbursements are delayed, noting that this could destabilize facilities serving low-income communities.
The representatives asked Governor Kemp to authorize emergency bridge funding for SNAP and Medicaid until federal programs resume, direct state agencies to set up relief protocols, and create a Georgia Food Security Relief Fund for local food banks facing higher demand.
They noted that with Georgia’s large budget surplus—reported at nearly $15 billion—and established emergency infrastructure, state intervention could prevent widespread hardship during the shutdown.
“Georgia’s moral strength will be measured not by our surplus, but by our compassion,” Rep. Davis concluded. “Now is the time for courage and care.”
Burns was elected as a Republican representative in 2005 for Georgia’s 159th House District, succeeding Ray Holland.
