East Bay leaders call for federal government shutdown to end

East Bay leaders, including Rep. Lateefah Simon and mayors from Oakland, Berkeley, and other cities, pressed Republicans to work with Democrats to end the federal government shutdown that began on October 1. The shutdown has financially burdened approximately 10,000 federal workers in the region. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee raised alarms about delayed funding for Head Start programs, which serve up to 600 children in need. The mayors voiced concerns about rising food insecurity, with one in four residents in Alameda County dependent on SNAP benefits.

Simon warned that cuts to healthcare subsidies could push thousands into emergency rooms for primary care, straining local healthcare resources. They coordinated with local food banks to ensure adequate support, stressing the urgent need for bipartisan negotiations. San Leandro Mayor Juan González emphasized the importance of compromise in overcoming the crisis. The leaders urged immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable communities.