Potential Flexibility for States During Shutdown
Budget Brief 13-15
Most discretionary programs (and some mandatory programs
funded in appropriations acts) are affected by the government shutdown in that
no new money is available during the lapse in federal budget appropriations.
While Congress is considering legislation to ensure that federal workers are
paid during the shutdown once appropriations are enacted, it has not addressed
whether states would be reimbursed for any state funds used to run federal
programs. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said it will advocate for such
reimbursement, and several agencies have advised states that federal reimbursement
will be allowed, unless Congress specifies otherwise.
This brief is designed to help states assess their options for funding programs during the appropriations lapse, as well as to determine how specific programs may be affected.