People who rely on SNAP benefits to pay for food will continue to receive that assistance through at least February, even if the partial federal government shutdown continues. But because of the shutdown, next month’s payment will come a couple weeks earlier than usual—on January 20th.

House Republicans couldn't get stricter work rules for those who receive food stamps into law. So the Trump administration is attempting to sidestep Congress and add them anyway.

The long-awaited final version of the farm bill was unveiled Monday night, and it hews closer to the previous piece of massive legislation — aside from legalizing hemp on a national level. 

Rep. John Shimkus’ 15th Congressional District includes steelworkers near Granite City, whose jobs were restored shortly after President Trump imposed tariffs, and soybean farmers whose prices took a hit after China retaliated with their own tariffs. Shimkus said his top priority throughout the Farm Bill negotiations will be the agricultural safety net that will offer protections to farmers concerned about a looming trade war.

A company that processes farmers market purchases using government benefits will shut down at the end of the month. That leaves 24 Indiana farmers markets without a way for customers to pay using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars.