Pa. Treasurer Garrity seeks Shapiro cooperation to use state money to cover SNAP benefits

Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Oct 29, 2025

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State Treasurer Stacy Garrity on Wednesday proposed making a loan to the state Department of Human Services using the Short-Term Investment Pool overseen by her office so DHS can cover the cost of federal SNAP benefits that are due to expire this weekend because of a stoppage in federal funding.

The move would essentially be a loan made at roughly 4.5% interest, Ms. Garrity told reporters. She said she is seeking the cooperation of Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration to make the proposal a reality.

"This solution offers a way to give vulnerable Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP peace of mind that their families will not go hungry during these times of financial insecurity," Ms. Garrity said in a letter to Shapiro.

Ms. Garrity was endorsed by the state Republican Party in her run for governor in next year's election. Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat who has made no formal announcement, is widely expected to seek re-election.

The treasurer said it was not a political move. If she wanted to be political, she said, she would not make a proposal and let the ongoing federal government shutdown and state budget impasse continue to work their effects on Pennsylvanians.

Ms. Garrity said the state typically gets $366 million to $368 million a month from the federal government for SNAP.

It is the second foray by Ms. Garrity into using her office's financial clout to step in when other functions of government are coming up short. In late September, she announced a low-interest loan program to help entities that have not been receiving state money during the budget impasse.

Some Democrats have said the Republican treasurer does not have the legal authority to carry out the program. Nonetheless, since she started the program, more than $21 million has been distributed to 48 entities including 11 Head Start local agencies, 36 Pre-K Counts providers, and a rape crisis center provider.

They will be required to repay the money quickly after a state budget is adopted and state money is distributed.

Ms. Garrity's announcement on Wednesday came as the House and Senate wrapped up a three-day string of voting session days without passing a budget. Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to the Capitol for voting sessions until mid-November, but could be called back sooner if closed-door negotiations lead to a deal and budget bills must be passed.

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