10 Ways The Shutdown Is Now Directly Impacting Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG, PA —The federal shutdown, which has entered its second month, is now having direct impacts at the state level, authorities said Thursday in an outlined explanation.

The shutdown, which began Dec. 22, could soon impact Pennsylvanians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said. It is also delaying some grant funding and small business loans, and is causing the state to spend non-reimbursable funds on public transit, according to information from the governor's office.

“We are temporarily using state funds to fill the gaps where we can. We are working to assist affected workers however we can. I urge businesses and creditors to show compassion for federal employees that are not being paid," Wolf said.

RELATED: PA Businesses Offering Freebies For Federal Workers In Shutdown

As lawmakers in Washington continue to be at an impasse over funding for a border wall, 1.8 million Pennsylvanians on SNAP benefits last week received their final benefits until the shutdown ends.

"These benefits must stretch through February, after which the fate of the program is unknown. The department notified SNAP recipients of the change," Wolf said.

In addition to the impacts on the SNAP program, here are nine other ways the shutdown is impacting Pennsylvania, according to state authorities:

The Women, Infants and Children Program

The state's WIC program, which provides food for more than 205,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under five, has enough federal funding to continue through February. After that, the fate of the program is unknown.

“It is essential that our leaders in Washington work to resolve this impasse, as the impacts will be felt far and wide throughout this country the longer it continues,” Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “WIC is funded through February, but we don’t know what will happen after that. We cannot let mothers, infants and children to go hungry while Washington sorts out their issues.”

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments will continue through at least mid-April by using prior-year federal funds. "The commonwealth has provided $4.2 million for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program that funds 100,500 child care slots for low-income families," the governor's office explained.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Trainings and exercises for first responders and emergency management practitioners that involve federal agencies have been canceled.

Department of Environmental Protection

Final approvals on grant funding and permitting have begun to be affected by the shutdown, the state said. The state DEP is reviewing and processing what they can, "but final action is needed at the federal level," the governor's office said.

Drinking Water

A report on PFAS contamination in drinking water has been delayed by the shutdown. "DEP and the PFAS Action team continue to work to address this issue, calling on leadership at the federal level to take up this critical issue," the governor's office said.

Public Transit

The state has provided $7.1 million in unreimbursed federal expenses for operating and capital costs for rural and urban public transportation providers.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Preparation for an elevation mapping project that includes federal funds is on hold. "The high-resolution, elevation data will be used for flood management, natural resource management and conservation, land use planning, geologic mapping and hazard reduction, and infrastructure development," information from the governor's office said.

Small Business Administration Loans

Small businesses waiting for approvals of federal Small Business Administration loans are currently being assisted by the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop. "The department is also exploring options for other business owners," the state said.

Payroll for Federally Funded Employees

The commonwealth continues to use state funds to cover payroll for federally funded employees at state agencies. The commonwealth expects to be reimbursed after the shutdown ends.

Governor Wolf called on lawmakers to come to an agreement to end the shutdown "before the consequences are even more dire."

Image via Shutterstock