JEFFERSON CITY — Today (10-24), Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, released a statement thanking the governor for reversing his position on Missouri’s food stamp policy.

“The last few weeks have seen some harrowing moments, not the least of which has been the threat of lost funding for a certain population of Missourians who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

In this time of concern, and with one in six Missourians living in hunger, I would like to thank the governor for withdrawing his previous proposal to cut back the federal waiver allowing healthy adults with no children to receive assistance. There are more than 58,000 men and women who will benefit from this decision.

I understand that there are times when a preemptive move is in the best interest of the state. However, I also believe that able-bodied, healthy citizens make a strong state. Reversing this decision and allowing the waiver to stand is, without a doubt, continuing the construction of a solid platform needed to raise needy Missourians back up so they can stand on their own feet.

I would also like to thank the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and various community organizations for continuing to stand strong with me on this issue.”