If the government shutdown could San Marcos have been affected?

By Andrea Narro

News Reporter

Government shutdowns usually occur when Congress fails to pass a bill or even when the President refuses to sign a spending bill to fund the federal government’s operations. That would result in a funding gap where many federal agencies possibly close or go without pay. 

Last Saturday evening, Congress passed a bipartisan bill to extend government funding, so the government shutdown would be averted. The bill was written and passed only hours before the deadline with a signature from President Joe Biden. 

Federal agencies located in San Marcos were well prepared for a government shutdown. Personal communication from Tiffany Young, Press Officer at Texas Health and Human Services Commission, emphasizes the possibility for companies like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to keep operating even through a federal shutdown. 

“In the event of a federal government shutdown, Texas WIC will continue to serve mothers and young children as long as possible,” HHSC said.  “As long as USDA grants authority to use funds already available to the program, Texas WIC can remain open and operate as usual until at least Oct. 31. All services and support will be available.”

As well as enough funds for the agencies, HHSC also announced how WIC clients will be notified beforehand if they need to prepare for a shutdown occurrence.

“Texas WIC clients can continue to use their WIC card at the grocery store and attend WIC appointments,” HHSC said. “Prior shutdowns have not resulted in any impacts in Texas, due to the short duration. Should a government shutdown outlast available funding, WIC participants would be notified in advance of any changes or termination of their WIC benefits. SNAP has sufficient funding through the end of October.”

Federal agencies in San Marcos could not have been affected by a government shutdown, WIC and SNAP have the funds to stay operating if this is to happen.