Two Helena legislators said 31 Montana lawmakers have agreed to sign a petition that would direct the Secretary of State to poll for a special session to continue SNAP benefits .

Payments for SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, have been stalled in November as part of the federal government shutdown and ensuing legal action.

More than 77,000 Montanans receive the benefit, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, said she and Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-East Helena, secured 31 Democratic legislators, one more than needed, to petition for a poll for a special session on Dec. 15.

Caferro said they plan to turn in the petition to the Secretary of State if full funding looks unlikely, although she said the state can

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