High Country Advocate – Staff Report
Governor Jared Polis warned this week that a federal government shutdown could soon halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, placing thousands of Colorado families at risk. The governor called on Congress to act immediately, noting that the expiration of federal appropriations would directly impact food assistance, small businesses, and the state’s economy.
In Colorado, more than 400,000 residents rely on SNAP to help feed their families. State officials say the federal standstill could cause widespread harm if the impasse continues into November, forcing local agencies to ration remaining funds and leaving grocery retailers without reimbursements.
Despite bipartisan calls to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open, Colorado’s two U.S. Senators have declined to support a clean spending bill. Critics argue that partisan negotiations have taken priority over the welfare of families, service members, and local economies that depend on federal funding.
If Congress fails to act, the effects would ripple through communities statewide—impacting schools, childcare providers, and rural grocers who depend on SNAP purchases. The last major federal shutdown in 2019 led to similar disruptions, causing delayed payments and forcing states to shoulder temporary costs.
Governor Polis urged federal lawmakers to “do their jobs” and protect Colorado families from unnecessary hardship. The state has pledged to continue processing applications, but without federal funding, those benefits cannot be paid out beyond current reserves.
With both the U.S. military and social safety nets caught in the budget gridlock, frustration among voters is rising. Many Coloradans are asking whether Washington’s political standoff has come at the expense of those least able to bear it.
Why Can’t the State Step In?
Although SNAP is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services, nearly all funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal law prohibits states from issuing benefits unless the USDA has authorized and obligated the funds.
Even if Colorado attempted to cover the shortfall temporarily, it could not legally process or issue SNAP payments after a federal shutdown. Doing so would violate federal fiscal control statutes and risk future reimbursement if Congress fails to retroactively approve those expenditures.
The state constitution also requires a balanced budget, preventing deficit spending or advance payment of federal obligations. Emergency funds available to the governor are limited to natural disasters and cannot be used to replace federal appropriations.
Furthermore, the SNAP payment system itself is operated through the USDA’s national Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) platform. If that federal system is suspended, state agencies would have no technical means to issue benefits even with their own money.
In short, Colorado’s hands are tied. Without federal authorization, the state can only prepare to resume operations once Congress passes a spending bill to reopen the government.
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