Governor Josh Stein has addressed the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown on North Carolina, urging Congress to resume negotiations. In a statement released today, Stein described how the shutdown is affecting residents across the state.
“The longer the federal government remains shut down, the more North Carolinians will be hurt – military and federal workers who deserve stable paychecks, millions of families and children who are struggling to put food on the table, and folks in western North Carolina who are counting on us for their recovery from Hurricane Helene. Leaders in Washington must come back to the negotiating table to reopen the government, stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, and ensure stability for hardworking people across the state and the country.
“Here in North Carolina, it’s similar story. Republicans in Raleigh have yet to pass a comprehensive budget, leaving Medicaid recipients and providers, teachers, law enforcement, and state employees in the lurch. People are tired of federal and state government dysfunction disrupting their lives and causing chaos. It’s time for all elected officials to do their jobs and get government working like it should – for the people.”
According to Stein’s office, about 841 personnel with the North Carolina National Guard missed paychecks this week due to the shutdown. If Congress does not act by October 31, approximately 90,000 active-duty servicemembers and National Guardsmen could also miss paychecks. Tuition assistance for military students at community colleges may be suspended at month’s end.
The governor noted that over 1.4 million people in North Carolina depend on SNAP benefits for food assistance. The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program supports around 262,000 women and children but may lose funding after early November if no agreement is reached. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received notice from USDA that SNAP benefits could be disrupted if the shutdown continues into November.
Roughly 80,000 federal employees living in North Carolina face lost income as uncertainty grows about future paychecks. State agencies have attempted to limit furloughs among federally funded positions but warn that prolonged disruption will make this harder.
Recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene are also threatened by delays in USDA disaster aid reimbursements for farmers in western parts of the state. Programs supporting home rebuilding, flood insurance coverage, and mental health services could see interruptions.
Stein warned that without congressional action extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, about 157,000 residents could lose insurance while another 888,000 would experience doubled premiums. Marketplace enrollees might pay an average of $672 more per year; rural counties such as Dare or Transylvania could see increases exceeding $1,000 annually.
To support those affected by these disruptions:
– The State of North Carolina has launched a website where job seekers can apply for public service roles: www.nc.gov/joinNC.
– Furloughed workers can seek temporary employment through Temporary Solutions or access resources via OSHR’s Furlough Resource Center.
– The Employee Assistance Program offers guidance during this period.
– Federal workers impacted by furloughs may apply for unemployment benefits online or by phone at 855-435-6969.
