General Newsletter From the Office of Senator Andy Kim

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween, NJ,

If you’re trick-or-treating or celebrating this evening, we hope you have a fun and safe night.

This week, Senator Kim was in D.C., urging Speaker Johnson to bring the House of Representatives back from their paid vacation so we could actually negotiate and address skyrocketing healthcare costs, the lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, pay for servicemembers and federal employees, and actually end this shutdown.

Coming together to help our neighbors in need:

We know that it’s a difficult time for many in New Jersey. Tomorrow, SNAP benefits will not be delivered to hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families that rely on them because of President Trump’s refusal to release $5 billion in emergency funds that sits available to him and exists for cases just like this.

Not only will SNAP funds not be distributed, but millions in New Jersey and across the country will be learning that their healthcare premiums are doubling, or even tripling, next year.

We know that in tough times, New Jersey always shows up for one another. Now is the time to come together and give back to our communities.

If you will be volunteering or giving back to your local food bank or non-profit to help aid neighbors who are struggling with hunger and rising costs, we want to hear from you. Let us know what you’re doing and why, and we’ll share your stories to shine a light on the good that is happening amidst so much uncertainty and chaos.

Fill out our “Acts of Service” survey here. 

If you are struggling with food insecurity in the government shutdown or know someone who is, please see this resource for how to get food this week in New Jersey.

Working for New Jersey:

DEMANDING THE USDA RELEASE EMERGENCY FUNDS SO FAMILIES DON’T GO HUNGRY:

Let’s be clear about what’s happening to SNAP in this country. Trump is intentionally letting people go hungry and 40 million people lose access to critical food assistance.
 
There’s $5 billion in a contingency, or emergency, fund set up for situations just like these, but the Trump Administration is refusing to use it. This is a choice he is making.

Watch Senator Kim draw the contrast between Trump's priorities or lack thereof.

HIGHLIGHTING THE HEALTHCARE CRISIS IN NEW JERSEY:

Earlier this week, we got a notice from the State of New Jersey laying out just how much healthcare costs are going to increase. In New Jersey, healthcare premiums are expected to skyrocket—increasing on average by 174%. 
 
This is absolutely devastating. And, it’s exactly why we have to continue to stand up right now and give families the relief they deserve.

Watch Senator Kim talk about what this means for NJ families. 

REMEMBERING SUPERSTORM SANDY 13 YEARS LATER:

On the 13th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, we remember the damage, destruction, the lives lost, but we also remember a unified effort to aid survivors. 
 
Natural disasters aren't going away. We must continue to invest in a FEMA truly suited to the needs of people and communities impacted.

Watch Senator Kim's reflections on the 13th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy.

Working for you at the Capitol:

FIGHTING TO KEEP FAMILIES FROM GOING HUNGRY: 

As we mentioned earlier, there’s a $5 billion contingency fund to solve the hunger crisis Trump has manufactured; he's just refusing to use it.

That's why I signed on to the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to ensure families don't go hungry due to the actions of this administration. Senate Republicans voted it down, but that won’t stop me from fighting for you and every family who struggles with hunger in this country.  

CONDEMNING SPEAKER JOHNSON CONTINUING TO KEEP THE HOUSE AT HOME:

Speaker Johnson has kept the House home for 38 days. He is intentionally preventing your representatives from doing the work you elected them to do—from addressing the healthcare, and now hunger crisis, that we’re facing. 
 
What would happen if you didn’t show up to work for 38 days?

Watch Senator Kim deliver this message to Speaker Johnson.

TALKING WITH YOU ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Reddit AMA earlier this week. We are grateful for your engagement and the questions you submitted about the government shutdown. 
 
ICYMI: Check out the Reddit thread or the Senator’s video answering some of your questions surrounding Trump's lawless actions, the ACA, and SNAP. 

STAY CONNECTED:

We're now on Substack:

The Senator is now on Substack! Follow and subscribe at senatorandykim.substack.com to stay up to date on our latest collaborations, Diner Talks, and more! 

Subscribe to our Grants Newsletter:

Are you a nonprofit or local leader in the community? Make sure you’re signed up for our office’s Grants Newsletter! Our Grants Newsletter will provide information regarding available grant opportunities, application deadlines, invitations to funding webinars and informational videos, and tips and resources for nonprofits. Feel free to share this link with colleagues who may also benefit from these updates. 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU:

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you in the United States Senate. It is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly. We know these are difficult times, and we will continue to fight for everyone across the state of New Jersey and stand ready to serve you however we can.
 
If you need help, please contact us at kim.senate.gov, and keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, Substack, and/or YouTube. 

Sincerely,

The Office of Senator Andy Kim

This email inbox is not monitored. If you would like to contact our office, click here.

If you wish to unsubscribe from being contacted by Senator Kim or his office, click here.