Michigan Attorney General Calls for Temporary Restraining Order on SNAP Benefit Lapse

Strategic Insights -

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to block the lapse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as SNAP, on November 1 due to the federal shutdown. Nessel argued that the Department of Agriculture has $6 billion in reserve funds to carry out SNAP operations, and an additional $23 billion could be transferred to fund SNAP. Nessel said, "If we have all the money in the world to pay ICE to snatch people off of our city streets who are not posing a danger to our communities, then certainly we can come up with this money to feed hungry people." The lawsuit is being pursued alongside 22 other state attorneys general and three governors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to block the lapse of SNAP benefits on November 1.
  • Nessel argued that the Department of Agriculture has $6 billion in reserve funds to carry out SNAP operations and an additional $23 billion could be transferred to fund SNAP.
  • The lawsuit is being pursued alongside 22 other state attorneys general and three governors.
  • Nessel said that if the federal government gives funding for ICE, they can also come up with money to feed hungry people.
  • Lansing Mayor Andy Schor highlighted the fact that local funding and support from food banks and pantries cannot replace the federal funding from SNAP.
  • Joshua Gillespie, the executive director of LMTS Community Outreach Services, emphasized that every single day, right here in the community, they have children who go to school hungry, seniors who silently skip a meal, and families who have to decide between paying rent or buying groceries.
  • State Reps. Tonya Myers Phillips, Betsy Coffia, and Kimberly Edwards are proposing a five-bill package that would create a $900 million emergency relief fund to temporarily backfill the loss of SNAP funding.

Statistics:

  • $6 billion in reserve funds to carry out SNAP operations.
  • An additional $23 billion could be transferred to fund SNAP.
  • 2,500 farmers and small business owners across the state would be impacted by cuts to SNAP.
  • For every dollar spent under SNAP, $1.54 goes back into the local economy.
  • 1.4 million children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families could lose food in their SNAP benefits.
  • 40 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits.
  • $40 million bailout to Argentina.

Sources:

  • Michigan Advance article: "Federal government tells Michigan DHS to pause November SNAP benefits" (https://michiganadvance.com/2025/10/23/federal-government-tells-michigan-dhhs-to-pause-november-snap-benefits/)
  • Michigan Advance article: "Michigan Attorney General joins federal lawsuit against SNAP benefits lapse" (https://michiganadvance.com/briefs/michigans-attorney-general-joins-federal-lawsuit-against-snap-benefits-lapse/)
  • Complaint document (https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Foag.ca.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fattachments%2Fpress-docs%2F2025.10.28%2520Complaint.pdf)
  • LMTS Community Outreach Services food pantry photos (Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance)
  • Michigan Farmers Market Association Executive Director Amanda Shreve quote (michiganadvance.com/donate/oa_referrer=midstorybox)
  • The seven million Michiganders receiving food assistance are being put at risk due to the global sales tax debacle.
  • This dollar will do no good if you can’t feed your family.
  • No one should go hungry. Not in our city, not in our state, not on our watch.