COLUMBUS, Ohio -- More than a million Ohioans could lose access to food assistance this weekend if the federal government shutdown continues — and state lawmakers are clashing over what to do about it.

In a letter sent Tuesday night, Ohio House Democrats urged Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency and work with lawmakers to release $100 million for food banks.

“This is a statewide emergency in all 88 counties,” they wrote. “We are calling for you to meet this moment with the urgency it demands.”

The letter also asked DeWine to mobilize the Ohio National Guard to distribute food if needed.

Ohio receives about $263 million a month for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides grocery aid to 1.4 million residents. Those benefits are issued between Nov. 2 a

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