Here’s what Nevadans should know if there’s a government shutdown
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada officials are watching developments as negotiations continue to avert a federal government shutdown. A short-term deal announced Wednesday would delay the threat of a shutdown until March 8, but more work is needed to ensure services will be available after that.
Federal employees could be furloughed during a shutdown.
A document from Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s office outlines the possible impacts of a federal shutdown, along with assurances that state programs and services are not affected.
“With the information currently available, state agencies and partners are planning to mitigate any potential disruption in funding,” according to the fact sheet.
“Public safety and emergency services will not experience disruption. Furthermore, social security benefits, regular unemployment benefits, road projects and maintenance, and Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue without interruption,” according to the Governor’s Office.
The length of a government shutdown is the biggest concern. The fact sheet said funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is safe through March. Federal portions of unemployment benefits could be affected.
“With very few exceptions, a shutdown that lasts less than three weeks would have limited disruption to operations and services, due to three major factors,” the fact sheet said. Those factors are:
Many funding streams allow for forward funding, where federal funds have already been allocated for several months into FFY 2024.
Many programs have state general funds to support operations. In these cases, adequate funds are available to maintain operations for a short period of time with minimal disruption to services. With this scenario, the expectation is that the federal government will make up funds to states once a budget or continuing resolution is passed.
Funding to support many vital programs will not be subject to the federal shutdown. This includes the majority of emergency or public safety functions and several of the largest public health programs.
“However, a shutdown that extends for over 30 days would result in much more significant challenges for the state and for all partners who rely on the federal funding that passes through state agencies,” the fact sheet said.
For federal operations, the impact will be noticeable quickly. Federal buildings, properties and national parks will close during a shutdown. Federal loans and guarantees might stop, and reimbursements from government grants that fund various state projects would stop.
But many other operations would continue. The United States Post Office, which is self-funded, would continue to operate. Food inspections are deemed critical, so those would likely continue
“Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient clinics will remain open. VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits,” according to the fact sheet.
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