NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Gov. Jeff Landry signed an emergency order Friday, approving food assistance benefits through November for children, elderly people and people with disabilities during the federal government shutdown.

The emergency declaration allows the state to continue benefits for vulnerable populations while other Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients face uncertainty.

“The governor — since the Legislature is already in special session — went ahead and declared a state of emergency, which is within his powers as governor,” said Robert Collins, a Dillard University political analyst.

Benefits for all other affected individuals will lapse Nov. 1 if the federal shutdown continues. The potential lapse affects families across the state, Collins said.

“Even though tho

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