In an attempt to force Gov. Greg Gianforte to release State funds to fund SNAP for over 77,000-Montanans who depend on the fund to set their tables, 30-Democrats are calling for a Special Session of the Legislature.
That’s enough to petition the Secretary of State to schedule a poll of the 150-Legislators–of both Houses, to call for the Special Session. Helena Rep. Mary Caferro and Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, who started the petition drive, are asking members to assemble for a special session on December 15th to tackle the issue. It’ll take 76-members to force a special session. The the next regular session isn’t until January, 2027.
Helena Rep. Mary Caferro is our guest for Glacier Banks Community Conversations Tuesday morning at 7:20. Little known fact: Rep. Caferro is a native of Whitefish.
The Legislators point-out that, as much as feeding people–this has implications for our economy. They say every SNAP dollar produces $1.54 in economic activity in our state. There are, they contend, nearly 800-Montana retailers who are losing money over the withdrawal of SNAP.
On top of that, the Montana Food Share system is overwhelmed. 63% of SNAP participants in Montana are families with children, 33% include seniors or people with disabilities, and 43% are working families. And with Veterans Day, it’s important that our Veterans can count on having enough food every day.
Montana is one of 14-states that the Senators say has “taken zero action.” The State’s $268-million Debt & Liability Fund can be tapped to refill SNAP EBT Cards immediately.
