Alabama Legislative Black Caucus Calls for Special Session on SNAP

The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus has called for Governor Kay Ivey to act swiftly to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the federal government shutdown. The Caucus echoed growing concerns from Senate Democrats that a pause or cut in benefits would deal a harsh blow to vulnerable communities.

In a letter dated October 31, the Caucus warns that “thousands of Alabama families remain at risk of losing critical nutrition assistance that helps them put food on their tables and keep their families stable.” It argues that losses in SNAP funding would not just hurt households, but “threatens…local grocers, small businesses and entire local economies.”

The Caucus requested that Governor Ivey convene a Special Session of the Alabama Legislature on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM, to authorize emergency measures. Among their proposals: tapping the State’s Rainy-Day Fund or other reserves to sustain SNAP until the federal impasse ends.

“Our government bears the responsibility to ensure that no Alabama family goes hungry because of the political gridlock in Washington,” the letter states. The group emphasized its willingness to work across party lines on “a responsible and temporary funding plan” to preserve both dignity and health for the State’s citizens.

However, the Governor’s office has already pushed back. According to WSFA 12 News, Ivey’s team said she has “no plans to call a special session,” citing that SNAP is “100% federally funded” and controlled by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service. Her office added that the State lacks “extra money to do Congress’ job,” and expressed hope that Senate Democrats would help reopen the federal government.

Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro), responded by arguing the State cannot sit idly while over 750,000 Alabama households depend on SNAP. Singleton cautioned that a benefit lapse could devastate not just families, but local grocers and farmers. “People are not going to be thankful this Thanksgiving if they cannot put food on the table,” he said.

Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma), one of the signers of the Caucus letter, underscored the urgency. He said the Caucus remains open to collaboration with Ivey’s administration to protect Alabamians in this emergency.

Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), who chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee, told ALPolitics.com that, “I support Gov Ivey's decision. It's too late for proper required preps by the agencies, it is also confusing to voters, significantly burdensome for potential candidates, and second guessing the Supreme Court. Basically, the perceived benefits do not warrant the real efforts and costs.” 

Across Alabama, local leaders and organizations have already begun to step up to provide for those in need. Those in need are encouraged to contact their local government, the State DHR website, the Feeding Alabama website, or local churches and food banks for assistance.

The Caucus letter to Gov. Ivey is below: