OKLAHOMA CITY — Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus have issued an urgent call for Gov. Kevin Stitt to convene a Special Session of the Oklahoma Legislature before Nov. 1 to address the impending suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
In a formal letter sent to Gov. Stitt, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow) and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle), the Caucus expressed grave concern over the devastating impact the lapse in SNAP benefits would have on Oklahoma families and local economies.
“More than half a million Oklahoma residents rely on SNAP to meet their most basic nutritional needs,” said Rep. Ronald Stewart (D-Tulsa), Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. “Nearly 40% of these recipients are working families, and the majority have children. The loss or delay of these benefits would create an immediate humanitarian crisis and cause widespread economic harm to grocery stores, small businesses, and community food providers.”
Caucus members emphasized that ensuring food access is a nonpartisan, moral responsibility and urged both the Governor and legislative leadership to take swift action.
“The welfare of Oklahoma’s citizens must remain the top priority of elected leaders at every level of government,” the letter stated. “If Governor Stitt fails to act, we call on legislative leadership to gather the signatures necessary to convene a special session to provide temporary state funding for SNAP recipients until the federal shutdown is resolved.”
Members of the Caucus underscored their readiness to work collaboratively with both the Governor’s Office and legislative colleagues to pass emergency measures ensuring no Oklahoman goes hungry during this time of federal uncertainty.
“This is not a partisan issue — it is a humanitarian and economic imperative,” Stewart said. “Time is of the essence. The people we serve are depending on us to act.”
Members of the Oklahoma Black Caucus participating in the call for a Special Session include:
Rep. Ron Stewart – Chair
Sen. Nikki Nice – Vice Chair
Sen. Regina Goodwin
Rep. Michelle McCane
Rep. Aletia Timmons
On Oct. 23, Stitt issued a directive calling on all state agencies to “recommend steps to streamline and strengthen state resilience,” to “identify critical vulnerabilities from federal disruptions,” and to “deliver a clear, actionable path forward.”
“Now is the time for Oklahoma leaders to put our citizens first,” Stitt said. “We will not let federal dysfunction dictate the future of our state. Oklahoma will continue leading with vision and accountability, even as D.C. falters.”
