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. 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.
4. DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is in Order of Selection. For more information on Order of Selection please visit www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr. The Washington State Rehabilitation Council will be holding a meeting on Thursday November 13th. As apart of that meeting st 10:30am there will be an information session on Order of Selection. You can join that session at the Zoom link below:
   1. Join Zoom Meeting

      https://dshs-telehealth.zoom.us/j/81449822817?pwd=0exIGjjivJuk0lUQPHXfV7Fnkq4I99.1

      Meeting ID: 814 4982 2817

      Passcode: 089689

      One tap mobile: 253-215-8782

       

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