Breaking News:

ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT

As two federal pandemic emergency-assistance programs near an end, Cox has solutions

Feb 3, 2023, 11:17 AM

Two temporary federal pandemic emergency assistance programs are coming to an end in the coming mon...

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Two temporary federal pandemic emergency-assistance programs are coming to an end in the coming months due to thousands of job opportunities for Utahns. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotment, SNAP, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program have helped thousands of Utahns through the pandemic. 

“But we have always known these programs would be temporary, and fortunately, Utah’s economy has thousands of job opportunities for those who are looking,” said Nate McDonald, deputy director of the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

According to a release from the state of Utah, the omnibus bill recently passed by Congress included an end date for SNAP emergency allotment as February 2023. At the beginning of March, all households in Utah receiving SNAP benefits will only get prepandemic level benefits. 

But the eligibility for SNAP has not changed. 

During the pandemic, the average emergency distribution per household was around $175-$200 per month. About 74,000 Utah households received the emergency allotment. 

The American Rescue Plan gave Utah $344 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance Funds. These funds helped Utahns pay rent and utilities during the pandemic. Launched on March 15, 2021, the program processed more than 97,000 applications as of December 31, 2022. 

Furthermore, the program paid out $287 million to assist eligible Utahns. However, the assistance will no longer be available after Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. 

Combating challenges Utahns face without pandemic assistance

Although these programs are ending, Gov. Spencer Cox’s budget included several items addressing the needs these two programs addressed. One recommendation by Cox is a $150 million investment in housing support for Utahns.

The housing would range from those experiencing homelessness to first-time home buyers.

Also included in the budget is $800,000 for Utah food pantries to help offset the rising food costs. 

These recommendations will be considered by state Legislature during the ongoing session. 

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections, Politics, & Government

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

14 hours ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Independent preside...

Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as Trump’s secretary after a close Senate vote

The U.S. Senate has voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as President Donald Trump’s health secretary.

19 hours ago

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Utah bill to expand breast cancer coverage put on hold

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on hold.

22 hours ago

Servicemen of the 155th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine load empty casing of modular artille...

MATTHEW LEE, WILL WEISSERT and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press

Trump upends US Ukraine policy, says he and Putin have agreed to begin war-ending talks

Trump said he spent more than an hour on the phone with Putin and "I think we're on the way to getting peace."

1 day ago

school therapy bill...

Don Brinkerhoff

House passes bill requiring parental notification of school therapy discussions

The House approved legislation mandating that parents be notified of the topics discussed in school therapy sessions.

2 days ago

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, arrives...

David Klepper, Associated Press

Senate confirms Gabbard as Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans fall in line

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans who had initially questioned her experience and judgment fell in line behind her nomination. Gabbard was an unconventional pick to oversee and coordinate the country’s 18 different intelligence agencies, given her past comments sympathetic to Russia, a meeting she held with […]

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

As two federal pandemic emergency-assistance programs near an end, Cox has solutions