ALAMEDA COUNTY OPEN FOR BUSINESS DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN

Dear Friend,

As the federal government shutdown continues into a second week, Alameda County is assuring residents that it is open for business and that all County services are available as usual. 

The County is still assessing the potential impacts on services related to the shutdown. All indications are that impacts should be minimal if the shutdown is relatively short, but could be more significant if the impasse in Congress is prolonged.  

Residents are urged to check the County website, www.acgov.org, for updates on impacts to local services should the federal shutdown continue.  

When it comes to a protracted federal shutdown, the County’s primary concerns relate to impacts on federally funded programs that serve low-income residents.  These programs include: early education programs, supplemental food and nutrition assistance for women, infants and children, and food stamps.  Funding for many of these human service programs will be disrupted by the shutdown. 

States have some ability to provide funding to keep programs running for a few days or even weeks.  However, at some point, there could be the need to cut services.  This is a highly fluid situation that could easily change once Congress takes action.  

In all, the State Employment Development Department estimates that there are roughly 9,600 federal employees in Alameda County. It is not clear how many of these employees face furloughs related to the shutdown. 

We are monitoring the situation carefully through our federal advocates and department heads and will keep you updated.  Our website will also be updated to include the most current information.