Shutdown to affect social service programs

NASHVILLE — Programs that help low-income and at-risk Tennesseans that are heavily federally funded but administered by the state will be most significantly affected by the partial federal government shutdown, state officials said Tuesday.

The WIC (Women, Infants & Children) supplemental nutrition program can sustain a shutdown only until approximately Oct. 10. Federal funds for the Food Stamp program would expire within 10 weeks, although limited state funding would remain, and the state Department of Human Services would need to reduce staff as a result of reduced federal funding, according to a state-impact update issued by Gov. Bill Haslam’s office.

In addition, the state’s issuance of handgun-carry permits and commercial driver’s licenses with hazardous materials endorsements could be delayed due to background checks that require federal assistance. Weekend drills and annual trainings for Tennessee National Guard personnel will not be conducted, according to the update.

The governor said Monday that he asked all state department heads over the weekend to report to him on the potential impacts of the partial federal shutdown on each of their agencies, and the governor’s office released a summary of their separate reports Tuesday. Overall, 11 state departments reported no impact is expected, 11 others said they and their clients will experience some impacts, if the shutdown lasts longer than 10 days, and the Department of Human Services reported “significant” impacts.