Governor Kehoe updates Missourians on federal government shutdown impacts

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe issued an update Friday on the growing effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that it is beginning to significantly impact Missouri families, state agencies, and federally funded programs.

Kehoe said the shutdown, now stretching into its third week, is disrupting programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), as well as small business and federal workforce operations across the state.

“The Senate must come together to reopen the government and protect families who depend on these programs,” Kehoe said. “Missourians should not have to suffer because of partisan gridlock in Washington.”

SNAP and WIC Funding at Risk

Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) informed state agencies that November SNAP benefits cannot be issued while the federal government remains shut down.

SNAP is fully federally funded, with no mechanism for states to cover the shortfall. DSS estimates that more than 667,000 Missourians, representing 326,000 households, could lose benefits if the shutdown continues.

“There is still time for Congress to act so Missouri’s most vulnerable families can have food on their tables next month,” Kehoe said. “Our Department of Social Services is ready to issue benefits as soon as federal funding is restored.”

DSS urged Missourians who rely on SNAP to stretch their October balances if possible and to seek support from local food banks and pantries.

The shutdown may also disrupt Missouri’s WIC program, which provides nutritional support to approximately 98,000 women and children statewide and is funded through the USDA and administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Broader Economic and Workforce Impacts

The shutdown has also affected federal employees, small businesses, and veterans across Missouri.

An estimated 56,000 federal workers in Missouri may miss paychecks this week, and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan disbursements have been halted. According to the SBA, more than $15 million in loan assistance to Missouri businesses is being blocked each week the shutdown continues.

Economists estimate Missouri’s Gross State Product could decline by $232 million per week, potentially increasing unemployment by about 800 workers if the shutdown lasts a month.

Kehoe said the state will continue monitoring the situation and working with local agencies to mitigate the effects wherever possible.