Kim Taylor, a Delegate from Virginia, said that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s emergency action helps protect benefits for vulnerable residents. She emphasized that her priority remains ensuring families receive the necessary support. This statement was made on X.
“I applaud Governor Glenn Youngkin for stepping up to protect Virginians in need,” said Taylor. “I’ve always believed government should serve people, not politics. Since last session, I’ve worked to protect these critical benefits and I’ll keep working to make sure families in our communities have the support they need.”
In late October 2025, Virginia’s governor declared a state of emergency and initiated the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) program to maintain food aid during the shutdown. According to the Governor’s office, VENA utilized state budget surplus funds and directed the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to issue weekly Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was paused. This action relied on emergency powers outlined in Code §44-146.17.
Approximately 850,000 Virginians depend on SNAP. The Virginia Department of Social Services indicated that new federal guidance allowed for roughly 65% of November SNAP benefits to be deposited even as the state filled gaps with VENA’s weekly payments. VDSS explained eligibility criteria and the schedule for this temporary state initiative.
Other states adopted different measures: Maryland committed $62 million and Washington D.C. allocated $30 million to cover November, according to the Washington Post. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that New York declared an emergency and set aside $65 million for food support. Virginia’s weekly state-funded VENA began first and was scaled back as federal deposits resumed.
Delegate Kim Taylor represents Virginia House District 82 and has served on several committees including Health and Human Services, Public Safety, and Communications, Technology and Innovation, according to Ballotpedia. She took office in 2024 and sought reelection in 2025. Her committee involvement placed her close to policy discussions on social programs during the shutdown period.
