Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has issued a statement on the government shutdown, while the Governor's Office has taken a look at possible state impacts.
“While I appreciate the leadership of Republicans and some select Democrats in Washington to avoid a government shutdown, I’m disappointed in the continued gridlock that allowed this to happen," the governor said. "As D.C. works through its issues, our administration will continue to support Nevadans in any way we can throughout this unnecessary federal government shutdown.”
The Governor's Office also said that while the federal government is shut down, the state isn't.
Public safety and emergency services will not experience disruption.
Social Security benefits, regular unemployment benefits, road projects and maintenance, and Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue without interruption. There are also no impacts to SNAP at this time.
The Governor's Office also said that impacts to the state will depend on the duration of the shutdown, saying a shutdown lasting less than three weeks would have limited impacts.
- Many programs have state general funds to support operations. In these cases, adequate funds are available to maintain operations for a short period of time with minimal disruption to services. With this scenario, the expectation is that the federal government will make up funds to states once a budget or continuing resolution is passed.
- Funding to support many vital programs will not be subject to the federal shutdown. This includes the majority of emergency or public safety functions and several of the largest public health programs.
A shutdown that extends for over 30 days would result in more significant challenges for the state and for all who rely on federal funding that passes through state agencies.
- Nevadans, who are federal employees, could be subject to furlough.
- The Nevada National Guard, under the Office of the Military, will maintain its normal operations through the next pay period.
- Nevadans will not be able to access federal buildings or properties throughout the duration of the shutdown. National Parks remain open and as accessible as possible.
- Federal unemployment benefits that augment state unemployment benefits could be affected, depending on the length of the shutdown. Administrative costs covered by the federal government could also be impacted.
- Nevada Silver State Exchange is unlikely to be impacted, since most of the funds for health care exchanges have been distributed.
