By Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG — State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has proposed making a loan to the Department of Human Services so it can cover the cost of federal food stamp benefits that are expected to lapse this weekend amid the federal government shutdown.

The loan would be made using a mechanism called the Short-Term Investment Pool, at roughly 4.5% interest and carried out via an agreement between Treasury and DHS, Garrity told reporters.

The cooperation of Gov. Josh Shapiro on the move to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits was sought in a letter sent Wednesday morning, she said.

“This solution offers a way to give vulnerable Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP peace of mind that their families will not go hungry during these times of financia

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