The federal government shutdown at 12:01 Wednesday morning, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill.
While the GOP and Democrats continue to disagree on a spending bill, over an impasse on subsidies set to expire on policies through the Affordable Care Act, which affects health insurance premiums, approximately 140,000 North Carolinians who work for the federal government will not receive paychecks during the shutdown. Essential federal government employees will continue working, though will not be paid until a shutdown ends, and non-essential employees will be furloughed.
The shutdown has also caused the furlough of 200 state employees, with an announcement from the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources noting that if the shutdown persists, there could be additional furloughs in the near future.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement the decision was made as a last resort.
“The decision to implement furloughs is not one that has been taken lightly, and I deeply regret the hardship it will cause,” Stein said. “I am upset with this federal dysfunction, and my administration is committed to doing everything in our power to advocate for a swift resolution.”
State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer said the situation is frustrating.
“We remain committed to transparency during this difficult time, and we are offering resources to furloughed employees through a dedicated hub on our website,” Meyer said.
North Carolina national parks are also affected, with Visit Smokies North Carolina announcing that trash collection, restrooms, and maintenance will be out of operation, along with federal visitor centers, ranger stations, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Park services warn visitors to be prepared for limited facilities at federally run sites; however, cultural experiences such as the Museum of the Cherokee People and the Oconaluftee Indian Village will remain open for the public.
The federal Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought warned that there could be permanent mass layoffs in the event of a government shutdown.
New York Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement ahead of the shutdown that the blame is with President Donald Trump, according to the Washington Post.
“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare,” Schumer said. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court, or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they [have before].”
As of September 12, there are 51,900 federal workers living in North Carolina, along with another 91,000 active-duty personnel, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Social Security and Medicare funding are expected to continue; however, the issuance of Medicare cards could have some delays.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) had 230,000 people accessing the program in 2024 and will shut down immediately.
Also in 2024, more than 1.4 million people in North Carolina relied on SNAP benefits, or food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said the payments will continue for the time being.
