Effects of the government shutdown in Missouri
Jazsmin Halliburton
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Several organizations in Missouri have taken steps in preparation as the government shutdown enters day two.
Preparations have been made for some government assistance programs and education departments in Missouri. In a newsletter that was released before the government shutdown, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said it has taken steps to ensure operations can continue.
The University of Missouri’s research programs are also affected by the shutdown, as federal agencies’ proposal reviews, award processing and basic communication are on hold. However, the university’s research can continue.
A government shutdown means many government employees who are deemed essential workers aren’t getting paid for their time. For example, U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) wrote in a press release that his staff will be in the office working.
EBT cards were loaded with funds on Wednesday, but if the shutdown continues, it could delay the funds for November. Food programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Emergency Food Assistance Program have enough funding until November.
National Guard troops will have to work without pay during the shutdown. This comes as Governor Mike Kehoe authorized the Missouri National Guard to help Immigration, Customs and Enforcement facilities in the state Tuesday.
The United States Postal Service will not be affected because it is independent and not funded by tax dollars.
Mark Twain National Forrest will remain closed during the shutdown due to a lapse in funding, per the national park’s voicemail.
According to ABC News, the FDA’s Animal Drugs and Food Program the shutdown ends pre-market safety reviews of animal food ingredients for livestock. This means that their will not be a reviews to ensure that meat, milk, and eggs of livestock are safe for people to eat.