As the federal government shutdown drags into its unprecedented second-longest run, Milwaukee's community leaders are sounding the alarm about the real-world consequences for local residents. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, alongside Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, highlighted the severe impacts that the shutdown is having on the county's vulnerable populations. In a meeting at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Building, they addressed the imminent threat to critical services, including food assistance and healthcare coverage.
With the start of November, the shutdown jeopardizes FoodShare benefits for over 230,000 Milwaukee County residents, as reported by Milwaukee County's official news release. Addressing a potential hunger crisis, County Executive Crowley stated, "Until this federal shutdown ends, we will do what we always do: look out for our neighbors and step up to help in times of need." Concerns were also raised about the upcoming expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits, which, if the government remains closed, could see premiums double or triple, affecting more than 51,000 county residents who currently rely on the marketplace coverage.
Adding to the list of potentially devastating effects, Section 8 housing benefits are at risk if the shutdown continues into December. Without federal support, Milwaukee County DHHS Housing Services might be unable to meet its rent payment obligations, placing undue strain on both tenants and landlords. Senator Tammy Baldwin weighed in on the matter, indicating the urgency of the situation. "No one wins in a shutdown. Republicans and Donald Trump need to finally come to the table to end this shutdown and lower health care costs for families," Baldwin said, according to a statement obtained by Milwaukee County's news release.
On a grassroots level, Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee have launched a coordinated food drive to tide over residents until FoodShare benefits are reinstated. Non-perishable food items can be donated at various locations across the city, including the Milwaukee County Courthouse and all Milwaukee Public Schools. Congresswoman Moore criticized the withholding of contingency funding by the Trump administration, stating, "This hunger crisis did not have to happen...SNAP is a lifeline, not a political weapon," as told to Milwaukee County's news outlet.
Lastly, the ongoing shutdown is also affecting federal government employees in Milwaukee County, with many furloughed or working without pay. Critical services such as TSA and FAA at Mitchell International Airport continue, albeit without pay, keeping travelers safe. The VA Regional Benefits Office is closed, and federal workers from FEMA and the SBA remain on the job without pay, assisting residents in storm recovery efforts. "Donations and food drives are a temporary fix. We need resolution to this shutdown so that the federal government can resume the important work we ask of it," Mayor Cavalier Johnson underscored in a statement to the county's news publication.
