Little local affect from shutdown

PRESCOTT – So far the partial shutdown of the federal government hasn’t had much affect in Prescott and Nevada County.

However, this isn’t to say it won’t.

Felicia Furlow, administrator of the Nevada County Department of Human Services, said clients receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) are being given their February allotment and told to use them wisely as there may not be funds for any in March. “We received notification late Thursday (Jan. 10),” she said. “There hasn’t been any feedback from the clients yet, and we’re encouraging them to be efficient with what they have. We’re planning one day at a time.”

Postmaster Jim Beebe said the only thing the local USPS has seen is a slowdown for international packages coming into the United States and this is because US Customs is working with a skeleton crew, but there’s been no change as far as services locally.

Prescott Police Chief Joey Beavers said the only effect the shutdown’s had on the Prescott Police Department is the lack of payments for its Stope Violence Against Women grant. The PPD, he said, is still required to submit the paperwork, but won’t get paid again until the shutdown ends. In addition, he said the PPD is working on a grant for equipment, but has no idea if there’ll be anyone available to receive it (in Washington).

Judy Watson, the chief executive officer for the Rainbow of Challenges and Prescott Recycling Center, said there’s been no affect so far. However, she said the agency has received a letter concerning its child special nutrition food program, which is only guaranteed until the end of February.

Additionally, she said, there could be a problem with Medicaid as funding may not be there in February. A lot of clients are on Medicaid. “I’m not sure if this will have an effect or if this is considered an essential service.”

Another potential problem is the public housing RoC clients use. If there’s no funding in February, she isn’t sure what will happen to the clients. But, she said, RoC will support its people in public housing. “We’re responsible for them. It would be costly to do, but we’ll take that responsibility as far as we can.

To date, school districts in Nevada County haven’t been affected by the shutdown – yet. Rick McAfee, Nevada superintendent, said the federal pass through funds haven’t been affected, but could be. School districts are required to spend money and are then reimbursed by the federal government for federal programs. “We haven’t been notified the money’s closed off at this point.”

Prescott Superintendent Robert Poole echoed McAfee’s statement about not being affected yet, but said the way it’ll be seen first is how students and families on food stamps and assistance are affected. “We could have students coming to school hungry,” he said.

Poole said if the shutdown goes on long enough its effects will be seen during standardized testing as hungry children can’t focus well on tests.