Government Shutdown Impacts

Hello, 

AtWork! is honored to be involved in your Employment Community Inclusion Journey. We are involved in advocacy at all levels of government and based on the number of inquiries over the past few months there are understandably concerns with actiosn at the federal and state level, especially regarding the impacts of budget reductions. 

We wanted to provide this information to help answer some of the top concerns we have been hearing about:

1. SNAP Food Assistance from WA DSHS – DSHS was able to be covered by the state for October. At the time of writing, if the federal government shut down doesn’t conclude by November, DSHS stated that November benefits will not go out. Cash benefits provided by state only fund will still be disbursed. 
2. Medicaid – As a result of HR1 OBBBA there are enormaous cuts to Medicaid. Medicaid is a block grant program and these cuts mean that the federal government will have less money to give states for the program. WA State has several publications around changes that can be found here. WA legislature and the governor will have to decide how to backfill this loss or they may cut out some of the optional Medicaid services altogether. Most if not all the individuals we serve will not be subject to work requirements.
3. DVR -DVR has seen a massive loss in federal funding over the last two federal fiscal years. As a result, they have entered into what’s referred to as an order of selection. Currently categories 3,4,5 are closed. DVR has recently asked the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to close categories 1 and 2. Should this happen DVR will not accept new clients. We have been told that this will not have an impact on School to Work (also known as Transitions). RSA has to approve or deny an order of selection request so if you know someone who needs to access VR services have them apply immediately.
4. Social Security – If you are working under SGA you will continue to receive benefits. Make sure you continue to report wages during the government shutdown.

AtWork! Is here to support you along your journey if you have questions or want to get more involved, please reach out. Supported Employment Advocacy Day is coming up in Olympia on January 28^th.   This is a day when people with disabilities and their families can come to the capital to share their success stories with legislators. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your Employment Consultant. This is a full day commitment and we’ll l attend an advocacy briefing, have lunch (provided by Atwork!) and then attend legislative appointments. We can also support costs to attend such as milage and parking.

In Solidarity,

John Lemus

AtWork! Advocacy Manager

johnl@atworkwa.org