To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Wednesday afternoon, South Bend Mayor James Mueller issued an executive order declaring a local disaster emergency amid the ongoing government shutdown, now that families who rely on nutrition assistance (SNAP) begin to miss payments.

The city is suspending all utility shut-offs through Feb. 5 for all residents enrolled in South Bend's Utility Assistance Program (UAP).

This affects the same folks who would also be eligible for SNAP benefits, and is meant to ease some of the burden, so they don't have to choose between paying to keep the lights on or put food on the table.

"The only real solution and sustainable solution to this is for Congress to reopen the

See Full Page