On Wednesday, Congressman Dan Meuser visited several organizations in Pennsylvania’s Ninth Congressional District to discuss the effects of the ongoing government shutdown. His tour included meetings with staff and leaders at STEP Inc. and its Head Start program, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and the Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition.
At STEP Inc. in Williamsport, Meuser spoke with Rachelle Abbot, President of STEP Inc., about their efforts to support children and families in Lycoming and Clinton Counties. STEP Inc. provides early learning, childcare, healthcare, and nutrition services for low-income families. According to organization leaders, uncertainty is growing for service providers due to funding concerns tied to both the federal shutdown and a state budget impasse. The shutdown has also disrupted programs such as weatherization and LIHEAP assistance, which help low-income households heat their homes during winter.
During his visit to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Warehouse Operations Manager Jason Nienczyk explained that a lapse in SNAP funding could lead to a significant increase in requests for aid. The food bank currently serves 27 counties and provides assistance to 286,000 people each month. If SNAP benefits are halted, requests could increase by as much as 900%. SNAP benefits are expected to last only through November 1st, putting nearly two million Pennsylvanians—including 760,000 children—at risk. Acting SNAP Administrator Ronald Ward has warned that if the shutdown continues into November, there may not be enough funding to pay full benefits.
Meuser also met with representatives from the Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition. This network addresses needs such as hunger prevention and housing stability for veterans and their families. While VA medical centers and some benefits remain operational during the shutdown, services like VA Regional Offices and career counseling have been disrupted or closed. Other essential support services for veterans have also been paused or reduced.
“Wednesday’s visit throughout Lycoming County made even more evident the devastating impacts a prolonged government shutdown is having on my constituents,” said Congressman Meuser. “I started my morning at STEP Inc. and toured their Head Start program, where they are doing unbelievable work supporting hundreds of children and families across the region. After meeting with President Rachelle Abbott, it’s clear this organization supports many low-income and at-risk children—providing childcare, early education, nutrition, and health services. Yet due to the shutdown forced by Senate Democrats and the continued budget stalemate in Harrisburg, STEP and many other community organizations are now under growing financial strain. This shutdown has real, far-reaching consequences for families and communities that can least afford it. As one teacher told me, ‘For the sake of the kiddos, the adults in the room need to do the right thing.’ She’s absolutely right — this is why every Senate Republican, with the exception of one, voted to keep the government open.”
Congressman Meuser added: “Later, during my visit to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Williamsport branch, I saw firsthand how many families depend on this organization and how vital it is to Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. A disruption in SNAP benefits would disproportionately impact low-income families across our Commonwealth, especially children who rely on this critical support. Lastly, I met with members of the Lycoming Clinton Veteran Coalition who shared how the Democrat-led Shutdown is preventing veterans from accessing regional VA offices, receiving transition guidance, and ensuring proper maintenance of national VA cemeteries. One master sergeant told me: ‘For no other reason than for our veterans and their families let’s get this solved.’ I couldn’t agree more. Our veterans, families,and children deserve better,and Senate Democrats must vote to reopen governmentand restore these essential services immediately.”
