Federal government shutdown could idle state employees
Some Nevada state workers could be caught up in the looming shutdown of the federal government, Gov. Brian Sandoval, Assembly Speaker John Oceguera and Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford warned in a joint statement Friday.
Specifically, state employees who are paid through federal funds, grants or programs could be furloughed if President Barack Obama and congressional leaders fail to avert the first government shutdown since 1995 by midnight tonight.
Those impacted work for the Nevada National Guard and the state departments of Health and Human Services, Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Services, Business and Industry's Occupational Safety and Health Administration Information Technology and the State Historic Preservation Office.
Residents might also be affected by delays in processing new claims for unemployment insurance, claims for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; and Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
"In addition to continuing to receive information from cabinet officials, my office met with (Legislative) leadership yesterday to discuss the effects a shutdown of the federal government would have on Nevada," Sandoval said. "We want to be prepared so we can provide information to our fellow Nevadans."
Oceguera said he hopes the shutdown is averted, but if not, "Nevadans can be reassured to know that their elected leaders are working together to mitigate the effects it may have on them."
Horsford said he is " certain our Nevada agencies will do everything they can to fill gaps in services if the federal shutdown occurs, in particular services for our most vulnerable citizens."
Phone calls to determine how many workers might be impacted were not immediately returned Friday.
Contact Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.
