Heffley Calls on Shapiro Administration to End Partisan Messaging on SNAP Benefits

October 24, 2025

HARRISBURG - Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) today expressed concern over recent communications from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, urging the department to focus on clear, factual information rather than partisan messaging.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Heffley and 70 House Republican colleagues emphasized the importance of transparent communication with the public about changes to SNAP benefits, while condemning recent DHS statements that appeared to assign political blame.

"It is disappointing the department chose to use an official state platform to cast blame rather than to simply inform," said Heffley. "At a time when many families are struggling, Pennsylvanians deserve facts and solutions."

Heffley pointed out Pennsylvania's own state budget is more than 100 days overdue, with fiscal issues still unresolved.

"It's puzzling the department chose to focus on Washington politics while ignoring the real budget issues we face in Pennsylvania," said Heffley. "Now more than ever, we should be working together to solve problems."

Heffley and his colleagues urged DHS to take a bipartisan approach to communicating with the public and addressing the ongoing needs of Pennsylvanians affected by economic hardship. They emphasized the shared goal of the Shapiro administration and the General Assembly should be to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most through cooperation and constructive discussion, rather than political division.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides assistance with purchasing food for low-income households.

To read the entire letter, click here.