{"id":2034,"date":"2026-01-08T11:24:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/?p=2034"},"modified":"2026-01-11T13:55:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T18:55:25","slug":"suspending-snap-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/suspending-snap-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Suspending SNAP Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Press_Release**_0\"><strong>Press Release:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/ag\/press-releases\/2025-press-releases\/attorney-general-tong-sues-trump-administration-for-illegally-suspending-snap-benefits\">Attor\u00adney Gen\u00ader\u00adal Tong Sues Trump Admin\u00adis\u00adtra\u00adtion for Ille\u00adgal\u00adly Sus\u00adpend\u00ading SNAP Ben\u00ade\u00adfits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Preceding_Event**_0\"><strong>Preceding Event:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On Oct. 10, 2025, the Unit\u00aded States Depart\u00adment of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture (USDA) sent&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/static.politico.com\/f5\/80\/bc6534ea40138384f2dd885c83c5\/snap-november-2025-issuance-file-guidance.pdf\">a let\u00adter<\/a>&nbsp;to state agen\u00adcies that admin\u00adis\u00adter the Sup\u00adple\u00admen\u00adtal Nutri\u00adtion Assis\u00adtance Pro\u00adgram (SNAP) say\u00ading that if the gov\u00adern\u00adment shut\u00addown \u2014 which began on Oct. 1, 2025 \u2013con\u00adtin\u00adued, there would be insuf\u00adfi\u00adcient funds to pro\u00advide the full amount of SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits in Novem\u00adber. Accord\u00ading to the press release dat\u00aded Oct. 28, 2025, \u201capprox\u00adi\u00admate\u00adly 42 mil\u00adlion indi\u00advid\u00adu\u00adals across the coun\u00adtry\u201d rely on SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits to buy food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accord\u00ading to the law\u00adsuit, dur\u00ading pre\u00advi\u00adous gov\u00adern\u00adment shut\u00addowns \u201cSNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits have nev\u00ader been inter\u00adrupt\u00aded by a lapse in appro\u00adpri\u00ada\u00adtions.\u201d The press release states that the USDA has bil\u00adlions of dol\u00adlars in con\u00adtin\u00adgency funds for the pro\u00adgram to ensure fund\u00ading under these exact cir\u00adcum\u00adstances and that the agency has con\u00adtin\u00adued to fund oth\u00ader emer\u00adgency pro\u00adgrams dur\u00ading the shut\u00addown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**General_Overview**_0\"><strong>General Overview:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Accord\u00ading to the press release from Oct. 28, 2025, \u201cAttor\u00adney Gen\u00ader\u00adal William Tong joined a coali\u00adtion of 21 oth\u00ader attor\u00adneys gen\u00ader\u00adal and three gov\u00ader\u00adnors today in&nbsp;fil\u00ading a law\u00adsuit&nbsp;against the Unit\u00aded States Depart\u00adment of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture (USDA) and its Sec\u00adre\u00adtary Brooke Rollins for unlaw\u00adful\u00adly sus\u00adpend\u00ading the Sup\u00adple\u00admen\u00adtal Nutri\u00adtion Assis\u00adtance Pro\u00adgram (SNAP), which helps more than 40 mil\u00adlion Amer\u00adi\u00adcans buy food, due to the ongo\u00ading fed\u00ader\u00adal gov\u00adern\u00adment shut\u00addown.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The press release says that the fed\u00ader\u00adal gov\u00adern\u00adment delays in the SNAP pay\u00adments rep\u00adre\u00adsents the gov\u00adern\u00adment \u201cmak\u00ading a delib\u00ader\u00adate, ille\u00adgal and inhu\u00admane choice not to fund the cru\u00adcial SNAP pro\u00adgram.\u201d Addi\u00adtion\u00adal\u00adly, the press release states that \u201cSus\u00adpend\u00ading SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits will also harm the hun\u00addreds of thou\u00adsands of gro\u00adcers and mer\u00adchants that accept SNAP pay\u00adment for food pur\u00adchas\u00ades across the coun\u00adtry. USDA has esti\u00admat\u00aded that in a slow\u00ading econ\u00ado\u00admy, every $1 in SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits gen\u00ader\u00adates $1.54 in eco\u00adnom\u00adic activ\u00adi\u00adty\u2026&nbsp;Sus\u00adpend\u00ading SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits in this man\u00adner is both con\u00adtrary to law and arbi\u00adtrary and capri\u00adcious under the Admin\u00adis\u00adtra\u00adtive Pro\u00adce\u00addure Act. Where Con\u00adgress has clear\u00adly spo\u00adken, pro\u00advid\u00ading that SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits should con\u00adtin\u00adue even dur\u00ading a gov\u00adern\u00adment shut\u00addown, USDA does not have the author\u00adi\u00adty to say oth\u00ader\u00adwise. The coali\u00adtion will also be fil\u00ading a tem\u00adpo\u00adrary restrain\u00ading order lat\u00ader today ask\u00ading the court to imme\u00addi\u00adate\u00adly turn ben\u00ade\u00adfits back on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Connecticut_Nexus**_0\"><strong>Connecticut Nexus:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Accord\u00ading to the press release, \u201cSNAP is a key part of Connecticut\u2019s efforts to address hunger by sup\u00adple\u00adment\u00ading the food bud\u00adget of low-income fam\u00adi\u00adlies so they can pur\u00adchase healthy food. Thus far in 2025, an aver\u00adage of approx\u00adi\u00admate\u00adly 366,000 peo\u00adple received SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits in Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut each month, includ\u00ading approx\u00adi\u00admate\u00adly 215,000 fam\u00adi\u00adlies and 120,000 chil\u00addren. House\u00adholds in Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut receive on aver\u00adage $324 per month in SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits to meet their basic sub\u00adsis\u00adtence and nutri\u00adtion\u00adal needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dur\u00ading the fed\u00ader\u00adal fis\u00adcal year between Octo\u00adber 1, 2024, and Sep\u00adtem\u00adber 30, 2025, the Depart\u00adment of Social Ser\u00advices (DSS) issued approx\u00adi\u00admate\u00adly $72,000,000 per month in SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits in Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut, as described in a dec\u00adla\u00adra\u00adtion from the Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut Depart\u00adment of Social Ser\u00advices filed with today\u2019s law\u00adsuit. SNAP is also an eco\u00adnom\u00adic dri\u00adver for Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut local busi\u00adness\u00ades, with approx\u00adi\u00admate\u00adly 2,500 mer\u00adchants in Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut accept\u00ading SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits for food pur\u00adchas\u00ades. Many Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut gro\u00adcers rou\u00adtine\u00adly increase their inven\u00adto\u00adry in antic\u00adi\u00adpa\u00adtion of the avail\u00adabil\u00adi\u00adty of SNAP ben\u00ade\u00adfits, and those who order food in advance may now be left with per\u00adish\u00adable goods that will no longer be pur\u00adchased by Con\u00adnecti\u00adcut fam\u00adi\u00adlies, as fur\u00adther described in the DSS dec\u00adla\u00adra\u00adtion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Date_of_filing**_0\"><strong>Date of filing:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Oct. 28, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Case_#**_0\"><strong>Case #:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/-\/media\/ag\/press_releases\/2025\/mass-v-usda-et-al.pdf?rev=aabb954b3067467e8b4ee8dbaeaf0101&amp;hash=0CC77EB0D069F1FDF346C95578271817\">1:25-cv-13165<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Case_title**_0\"><strong>Case title:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Com\u00admon\u00adwealth of Mass\u00ada\u00adchu\u00adsetts et al v. Unit\u00aded States Depart\u00adment of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture et al<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Plaintiffs**_25_states_and_D.C._0\"><strong>Plaintiffs:<\/strong>&nbsp;25 states and D.C.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF CALIFORNIA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF ARIZONA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF MINNESOTA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF CONNECTICUT;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF COLORADO;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF DELAWARE;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF HAWAI\u2018I;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF ILLINOIS;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LAURA KELLY, in her offi\u00adcial capac\u00adi\u00adty as Gov\u00ader\u00adnor of the State of Kansas;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ex rel. Andy Beshear, in his offi\u00adcial capac\u00adi\u00adty as Gov\u00ader\u00adnor of the Com\u00admon\u00adwealth of Ken\u00adtucky;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF MAINE;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF MARYLAND;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF MICHIGAN;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF NEVADA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF NEW JERSEY;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF NEW MEXICO;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF NEW YORK;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF OREGON;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JOSH SHAPIRO, in his offi\u00adcial capac\u00adi\u00adty as Gov\u00ader\u00adnor of the Com\u00admon\u00adwealth of Penn\u00adsyl\u00adva\u00adnia;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF RHODE ISLAND;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF VERMONT;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF WASHINGTON;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>STATE OF WISCONSIN\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Defendants**_0\"><strong>Defendants:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BROOKE ROLLINS, in her offi\u00adcial capac\u00adi\u00adty as U.S. Sec\u00adre\u00adtary of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RUSSELL VOUGHT, in his offi\u00adcial capac\u00adi\u00adty as Direc\u00adtor of the U.S. Office of Man\u00adage\u00adment and Bud\u00adget;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Court**_0\"><strong>Court:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"**Status_as_of_Dec._1,_2025**_0\"><strong>Status as of Dec. 1, 2025:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>OPEN<br>Last fil\u00ading: Nov. 26, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n<nav class=\"is-vertical wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Lawsuit Index\">\n<div 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wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/nih-and-hhs-funding-for-medical-research\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014NIH and HHS Fund\u00ading for Med\u00adical Research<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/power-given-to-musk\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Pow\u00ader Giv\u00aden to Musk<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/mass-firings-of-federal-probationary-employees\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Mass Fir\u00adings of Fed\u00ader\u00adal Pro\u00adba\u00adtion\u00adary Employ\u00adees<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/dismantling-education-department\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Dis\u00adman\u00adtling Edu\u00adca\u00adtion Depart\u00adment<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/hhs-cuts-11-billion-in-public-health-grants-to-states\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014HHS Cuts $11 Bil\u00adlion in Pub\u00adlic Health Grants to States<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/voting-rights-and-elections-restrictions\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Vot\u00ading Rights and Elec\u00adtions Restric\u00adtions<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/attack-on-museums-libraries-workers\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Attack on Muse\u00adums, Libraries &amp; Work\u00aders<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/stopping-tariffs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Stop\u00adping Tar\u00adiffs<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/k-12-funding-conditions\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014K\u201112 Fund\u00ading Con\u00addi\u00adtions<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/dismantling-of-americorps\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Dis\u00adman\u00adtling of Ameri\u00adCorps<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/halting-wind-energy\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Halt\u00ading Wind Ener\u00adgy<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/07\/dismantling-hhs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Dis\u00adman\u00adtling HHS<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/big-oil-and-energy-emergency\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Big Oil and Ener\u00adgy Emer\u00adgency<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/immigration-conditions-placed-on-dhs-funding\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Immi\u00adgra\u00adtion Con\u00addi\u00adtions Placed on Fund\u00ading DHS<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/immigration-conditions-placed-on-dot-funding\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Immi\u00adgra\u00adtion Con\u00addi\u00adtions Placed on Fund\u00ading DOT<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/protecting-science-research-and-programs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Pro\u00adtect\u00ading Sci\u00adence and Research Pro\u00adgrams<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/federal-funding-for-states\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Fed\u00ader\u00adal Fund\u00ading for States<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/mental-health-funding-cuts-in-k-12\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Men\u00adtal Health Fund\u00ading Cuts in K\u201112<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/sharing-health-information-with-ice\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Shar\u00ading Health Infor\u00adma\u00adtion With ICE<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/the-freezing-of-6-8-billion-in-education-funding\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Freez\u00ading of $6.8 Bil\u00adlion in Edu\u00adca\u00adtion Fund\u00ading<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/cutting-disaster-funding\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Cut\u00adting Dis\u00adas\u00adter Fund\u00ading<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/1-8-million-people-losing-health-insurance\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u20141.8 Mil\u00adlion Peo\u00adple Los\u00ading Health Insur\u00adance<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/federal-restrictions-on-benefits\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Fed\u00ader\u00adal Restric\u00adtions on Ben\u00ade\u00adfits<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/usda-demands-snap-recipient-information\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014USDA Demands SNAP Recip\u00adi\u00adent Infor\u00adma\u00adtion<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/medicaid-funding-for-planned-parenthood\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Med\u00adic\u00adaid Fund\u00ading for Planned Par\u00adent\u00adhood<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/gender-affirming-care\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Gen\u00adder Affirm\u00ading Care<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/doe-funding-cap-for-state-energy-programs\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014DOE Fund\u00ading Cap for State Ener\u00adgy Pro\u00adgrams<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/conditions-on-victims-of-crime-grants\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Con\u00addi\u00adtions on Vic\u00adtims of Crime Grants<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/revolution-wind-stop-work-order\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Rev\u00ado\u00adlu\u00adtion Wind Stop Work Order<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/conditions-on-sex-ed-funding\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Con\u00addi\u00adtions on Sex Ed Fund\u00ading<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/homeland-security-funding-cuts\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Home\u00adland Secu\u00adri\u00adty Fund\u00ading Cuts<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/second-lawsuit-against-doj-for-crime-survivors\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Sec\u00adond Law\u00adsuit Against DOJ for Crime Sur\u00advivors<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/suspending-snap-benefits\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Sus\u00adpend\u00ading SNAP Ben\u00ade\u00adfits<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/public-service-loan-forgiveness-restrictions\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Pub\u00adlic Ser\u00advice Loan For\u00adgive\u00adness Restric\u00adtions<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/changes-in-hud-grants\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014Changes in HUD Grants<\/span><\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link has-small-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/snap-immigration-eligibility-changes\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">\u2014SNAP Immi\u00adgra\u00adtion Eli\u00adgi\u00adbil\u00adi\u00adty Changes<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Press Release: Attor\u00adney Gen\u00ader\u00adal Tong Sues Trump Admin\u00adis\u00adtra\u00adtion for Ille\u00adgal\u00adly Sus\u00adpend\u00ading SNAP Ben\u00ade\u00adfits Pre\u00adced\u00ading Event: On Oct. 10, 2025, the Unit\u00aded States Depart\u00adment of Agri\u00adcul\u00adture (USDA) sent&nbsp;a let\u00adter&nbsp;to state agen\u00adcies that admin\u00adis\u00adter the Sup\u00adple\u00admen\u00adtal Nutri\u00adtion Assis\u00adtance Pro\u00adgram (SNAP) say\u00ading that if the gov\u00adern\u00adment shut\u00addown \u2014 which began on Oct. 1, 2025 \u2013con\u00adtin\u00adued, there would be [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1091,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wp_typography_post_enhancements_disabled":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lawsuits"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2040,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/snap-immigration-eligibility-changes\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":0},"title":"SNAP Immigration Eligibility Changes","author":"Charlotte Harvey","date":"January 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Press Release: Attorney General Tong Sues to Block Unlawful SNAP Eligibility Guidance Preceding Event: On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Among many other things, the bill modified the Food Nutrition Act (FNA). Section 10108 of the FNA was amended to narrow\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;lawsuits&quot;","block_context":{"text":"lawsuits","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/lawsuits\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2016,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/08\/usda-demands-snap-recipient-information\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":1},"title":"USDA Demands SNAP Recipient Information","author":"Charlotte Harvey","date":"January 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Press Release: Attorney General Tong Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administrations Illegal Demands Preceding Event: On May 6, 2025, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)\u00a0issued a letter to every state. The letter, \"citing a recent executive order titled 'Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;lawsuits&quot;","block_context":{"text":"lawsuits","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/lawsuits\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1068,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/05\/video-people-speak-out-about-authoritarianism-at-d-c-no-kings-protest\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":2},"title":"Video: Protesters Speak Out About Authoritarianism at D.C. \u2018No Kings\u2019 Rally","author":"Lily Goldblatt","date":"January 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Lily GoldblattUConn Journalism People from all over the country gathered at local No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025, to speak out against what many have said to be authoritarian actions taken by President Donald Trump. In this short documentary about the scene in Washington, D.C., protesters shared their\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Executive Power&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Executive Power","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/executive-power\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-12.03.10-PM.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":507,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/05\/with-fewer-refugees-ct-groups-seek-new-ways-to-help\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":3},"title":"With fewer refugees, Connecticut volunteers seek new ways to help&nbsp;&nbsp;","author":"Anna Heqimi","date":"January 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Anna HeqimiUConn Journalism When\u00a0Doina Lavoie-Gonci and\u00a0other\u00a0volunteers with the Old Lyme Refugee Resettlement Committee learned about the plight of a pregnant mother of\u00a0three\u00a0from Honduras whose husband had been deported, they\u00a0took action, working\u00a0to\u00a0identify\u00a0organizations and resources that could help.\u00a0 Doina Lavoie-Gonci (middle) with Mark Staves (left) and Jo-Ann Staves (right) posing for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Immigration&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Immigration","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/immigration\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/IMM-REF-SUPPORT-Heqimi-001.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":897,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/05\/video-hartford-protesters-share-what-no-king-means-to-them\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":4},"title":"Video: Hartford protesters share what \u201cNo King\u201d means to them","author":"Karla Perez","date":"January 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"HARTFORD - Millions gathered in cities across the country to participate in the second \"No Kings\" protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Connecticut residents gathered around the capitol building bearing signs with disapproving messages toward President Donald Trump and his actions since returning to the White House last year. In addition\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Communities&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Communities","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/communities\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2026\/01\/thumb.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":352,"url":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/2026\/01\/05\/presidents-in-1800s-expand-wartime-and-veto-powers\/","url_meta":{"origin":2034,"position":5},"title":"Presidents in 1800s expand wartime and veto powers","author":"Dan Stark","date":"January 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Dan StarkUConn Journalism Read here to learn more about expansions of executive power in the 1800s under Presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk and Abraham Lincoln. Andrew Jackson\u00a0(1829-1837)\u00a0 Introduced the spoils system and expanded veto power Political cartoon depicting \"King Andrew Jackson,\" from an unknown artist. President Andrew Jackson\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;presidents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"presidents","link":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/category\/presidents\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/files\/2025\/12\/30a.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgTa6m-wO","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1091"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2034"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2124,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034\/revisions\/2124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2034"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaljournalism.uconn.edu\/balance-of-power\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}