The Michigan Senate has approved putting $71 million toward helping feed families as federal food assistance is set to pause next month for roughly 1.4 million residents in the state .

The supplemental funding bill approved by a 27-4 vote Thursday, Oct. 30, would help backfill lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration; however, because of a five-day layover rule, the House is not able to immediately consider the bill for passage. House Republican leadership did not immediately return a request for comment.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to lower-income residents. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, including nearly 492,000 children, rely on SNAP to buy

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