When Washington Steps Back, the Commonwealth Must Step Up

When Washington fails to do its job, Virginians pay the price twice, first in taxes, and again when we have to fill the gaps ourselves.

We are seeing that play out again today. Federal shutdowns and grant cutbacks have already reduced support for local food banks and nonprofits across Virginia. Families and community organizations are once again being left to figure it out on their own.

When the federal government steps back, the Commonwealth must step up.

Across Clarke, Frederick, and Warren counties, food security partners have been scrambling to keep shelves stocked while watching their federal funding shrink. These cuts have already strained their budgets. At the same time, unemployment is climbing, meaning more Virginians are turning to local aid just as those resources are stretched thin.

I do not believe government should sit on its hands while people go hungry, and I do not believe empty promises a week before an election count as action. Governor Youngkin recently declared a state of emergency, pledging that Virginia would cover SNAP if the federal shutdown continues. I hope he follows through. But so far, there is no plan, no funding mechanism, and no evidence that Attorney General Miyares would take the legal steps needed to secure reimbursement from Washington.

Virginians cannot eat promises.

That is why I am donating ten percent of my total campaign contributions to food security organizations serving our district. These include FISH of Clarke County, the Front Royal/Warren County Congregational Community Action Project, Christ Church Cares in Millwood, and the AIDS Response Effort in Winchester, which provides affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Virginians.

These organizations are not waiting for permission from Richmond or Washington. They are feeding our neighbors right now.

I am also challenging every candidate, regardless of party or office, to do the same. That includes Delores Oates, Bill Wiley, Jon Lucci, Jay Jones, Jason Miyares, John Reed, Ghazala Hashmi, Abigail Spanberger, and Winsome Earle-Sears.

A direct donation today is worth two politician promises in the bush.

The truth is that Virginia’s taxpayers will likely end up paying twice for this crisis; once through our federal taxes and again through state emergency spending. If we are going to pay that bill anyway, we should make sure the money reaches the people who need it most.

Feed Virginia is not a slogan. It is a call to action. Leadership means doing, not waiting.

By Shane Boswell
Candidate for House of Delegates
District 31

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