Ohio lawmakers are missing an opportunity to show they are capable of stepping up when federal lawmakers do not. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, there have not yet been any hearings — nor are any scheduled — for House Bill 502, “Appropriate funds for SNAP, TANF, WIC upon lapse in federal funds.”

Introduced by Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, D-Columbus, the measure would be a safety net — similar to efforts in other states — for the nearly 1.4 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Ohio..

As Humphrey points out, “Grocery stores won’t stop operating. The bills won’t stop coming. The babies won’t stop needing formula, and families still have to eat.” And it seems few in Columbus are considering action to help.

” … I would urge my colleagues on the Republican side to start thinking and getting together and even being willing to work with me, work with us, to get something done so we are prepared if it is Nov. 1 and there is no solution,” Humphrey told the Capital Journal last week. “Maybe my bill won’t be the actual solution, but it is possible to put together a similar bill and fast track it, and get it to the governor’s desk.”

Buckeye State residents are already struggling. According to the Capital Journal, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective alone helps feed more than 5,000 families per day — 58% more than at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s hard to fathom why lawmakers have not even discussed HB 502, as we are in the midst of the second-longest federal government shutdown in history. One can only hope it is because they have something else up their sleeves and are simply waiting to see what November has in store.

Should they do nothing, they must understand their silence speaks volumes.