Arkansas DHS to furlough 1,500 employees if government stays shutdown through next Monday

Arkansas DHS Secretary Janet Mann announced that 1,500 employees will face furloughs and county offices will be closed if the federal government shutdown extends beyond November 10. The state’s Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor are meeting to explore timelines regarding service disruptions from federally funded programs like SNAP and TANF. Lawmakers in Arkansas are collaborating across party lines to respond to the financial shortfalls caused by the shutdown. Senator Greg Leding highlighted the importance of bipartisan efforts, hoping for a resolution between Republicans and Democrats to reopen the government. Senator Missy Irvin noted that it is primarily other states’ delegations causing the impasse, urging citizens to keep in contact with their county offices for assistance.

In response to growing food insecurity, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders allocated $500,000 to six food banks last Friday. This funding aims to support communities affected by the shutdown and ensure access to food resources. The situation underscores the significant impact of federal funding lapses on local services and the urgency for a resolution.