The U.S. Congress has been unable to reach an agreement on a short-term spending plan, leading to federal agencies bracing for a government shutdown anticipated to commence on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year.
The potential impact of this shutdown could be particularly pronounced in Alaska, given the federal government’s significant role in the state’s economy and day-to-day operations.
While some of the consequences can be anticipated based on previous shutdowns, there is an added layer of uncertainty this year.
An unusual pre-shutdown memo released late Wednesday by the White House Office of Management and Budget instructs agencies to view the shutdown as an opportunity to terminate employees engaged in any program not funded through other laws or deemed “not consistent with the President’s priorities.”
This memo carries a distinct political tone, attributing the shutdown’s potential occurrence to the “partisan demands” of Democrats.
The memo expresses a hope that Democrats in Congress will avert a shutdown, thus avoiding the necessity of the drastic steps outlined.
However, the Trump administration has demonstrated a willingness to significantly reduce the federal workforce and disturb the normal operations of government agencies.
With the prospect of a government shutdown looming, here are five essential points to consider.
First, individuals receiving Social Security checks and SNAP benefits can breathe a sigh of relief.
Services considered mandatory or funded through sources outside of annual appropriations will continue, ensuring that Medicaid and benefits like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance remain intact.
According to Governor Mike Dunleavy’s office, SNAP benefits are funded through October, ensuring recipients will continue receiving aid.
However, individuals should be aware that help desks and administrative services related to these programs could face challenges, making it a less than ideal time for changes to banking information for Social Security payments.
For those planning to travel, there is no immediate need to cancel flights.
Historically, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration personnel have been designated as essential workers, which means they continue to fulfill their responsibilities during shutdowns, albeit without immediate compensation.
Flight operations to and from Alaska are expected to proceed as usual, although travelers are advised to arrive at airports earlier than usual due to reports of longer security lines resulting from fewer TSA staff on duty.
For federal employees in Alaska, the situation varies depending on their roles and how their respective agencies are funded.
Approximately 15,000 civilian federal workers reside in Alaska, with essential employees, such as air traffic controllers and FBI agents, required to work without pay until a solution is reached.
Other federal employees may face furloughs but will receive back pay once the government resumes operations.
If the OMB memo is acted upon, some workers could be issued termination notices.
As for military personnel, active-duty service members are required to remain on duty.
A bill currently in the U.S. House aims to ensure that paychecks continue for active-duty military members, including those in the Coast Guard, as well as for civilian workers and contractors within the Department of Defense.
If the bill is passed prior to or shortly after the shutdown begins, it could stave off any interruptions in military pay; however, there may still be delays in stipends and special pay.
Regarding public lands and events such as Fat Bear Week, inquiries have been made to both the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for clarification.
Historically, if a park area is not accessible after hours, it is likely to remain closed for the duration of the funding lapse.
Most of Alaska’s public lands are not fenced or gated, indicating that these areas may still be accessible, though staff may be unavailable.
As the potential for a government shutdown looms, Alaskans and federal workers alike brace for what could be significant disruptions across various services.
image source from：alaskapublic
