Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has signed Act No. 9047, authorizing $2.77 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund to ensure Virgin Islanders receive half of their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a Government House press release.
“Washington may be stalled, but our responsibility to Virgin Islanders is not,” Bryan said in a press release statement. “This action makes sure families can put food on the table while Congress sorts itself out. We prepared the logistics in advance so help would move the moment the law allowed it.”
The 36th Legislature passed Bill No. 36-0202 Thursday. Anticipating approval, the departments of Finance and Human Services worked together to finalize operations before the measure reached the governor’s desk. Checks began going out by mail as Bryan signed the bill into law, the press release stated.
Bryan credited fiscal planning for making the funding possible. “Since taking office in 2019, we have budgeted deposits to the Budget Stabilization Fund, which for years was not prioritized or funded,” he said. “Responsible budgeting, and responsible use of those reserves, is for moments like this. The point is capacity to act when Virgin Islanders need us.”
Each SNAP household will receive a check equal to 50 percent of its normal November allotment, mailed to the address on file beginning Saturday. Standard postal delivery times apply, and households should verify mailing information with Human Services if their address has changed, the release stated.
For questions about November SNAP checks, residents can contact the Human Services Department hotlines at 340-772-7110 (St. Thomas/St. John) or 340-715-9090 (St. Croix), or email usvisnaprelief@dhs.vi.gov.
Bryan thanked the 36th Legislature for acting quickly and acknowledged Finance and Human Services teams for “executing an accelerated and accountable process.”
“This is what a Rainy Day Fund is for,” Bryan said. “We saved for tough moments so we could protect families when they need it most. Today, that promise is being kept.”
St. Croix Source
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