Michigan lawmakers took a major step to blunt the impact of the federal shutdown on food assistance Oct. 30, with the Michigan Senate voting on a supplemental spending measure to provide emergency funding for those facing a looming pause in their benefits.

Senate Bill 182 would provide $50 million to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for emergency food assistance, prioritizing those facing the "greatest level of need." The bill received bipartisan support in the Democratic-led chamber. It will next head to the GOP-led Michigan House for consideration. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature would be required to finalize the spending plan.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service recently directed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

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