Governor Polis & JBC Protect Food Support for Women and Children Ahead of Federal Shutdown, But Uncertainty Looms Despite State Action

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis provided an update on Day 1 of the federal government shutdown and its impact on Colorado.

"I'm closely monitoring the impacts of this federal government shutdown on our state, and taking action where possible to mitigate harm to Coloradans and our communities. I am pleased that, in partnership with the JBC, we were able to secure emergency funding so that families who rely on WIC do not see an abrupt end to benefits, which would be devastating for women and children. That said, WIC is one of a myriad challenges the state faces the longer this goes on. The state cannot fill the void left by the federal government, and if they do not reopen the government and save health care for Coloradans, the consequences will be dire. I am urging the Republicans who control all three branches of the federal government to end this shutdown and stop punishing hard working Coloradans," said Governor Jared Polis.

The USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ran out of federal funding for food benefits on September 30th. The Governor's office submitted an emergency supplemental to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to fund up to one month of WIC benefits from the General Fund, ensuring that women, infants and children do not lose access to desperately needed nutritional support, which the JBC unanimously approved on September 30.

Beyond the impact to WIC, the State does not expect to see major impacts to State-run programs or State government workforce for the first week of the shutdown, but the impact will grow the longer the shutdown lasts. The State will be closely monitoring these impacts for the duration of the shutdown.

The Governor has also continued to push for the federal government to keep Colorado's national parks open.

"I have repeatedly called on the federal government to keep National Parks open, especially during the busy fall tourism season. The state is offering support to keep Colorado's iconic National Parks open for Coloradans and visitors and we continue to monitor for next steps," said Governor Jared Polis.

Late on September 30, the National Parks Service (NPS) directed park superintendents to utilize fee revenues as authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to keep the parks operational. All eight of Colorado's National Park properties that collect fees - Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Great Sand Dunes, Hovenweep National Monument, Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mountain - will continue to operate on fee revenues as directed by FLREA. While physical structures such as visitors centers and historic buildings will be closed, FLREA allows the main gates to remain open with continued custodial services. The State anticipates all eight National properties will remain open during the shutdown until fee revenue runs out. The direction from NPS also asked each park to develop a process to accept donations from local, state, and other donors to fund operations of the parks, if needed. The State looks forward to learning the details of this process should such a need arise.

The Colorado Department of Public Safety and Department of Natural Resources have been in touch with Colorado's National Parks leadership, federal land managers with jurisdiction in the state, and county Sheriffs and have offered additional law enforcement support should the need arise and a request be made. The State takes the need to protect Colorado's natural wonders and the visitors in these areas very seriously.

Additionally, since June, Governor Polis has urged Colorado's federal delegation to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC) which has become a central point of contention in federal shutdown negotiations. The Governor has warned that without action nearly 250,000 Coloradans could see premiums rise by 114% to 300% and as many as 75,000 could lose coverage. To protect families, the Governor worked with the legislature in August to strengthen Colorado's reinsurance initiative, sent a joint letter with Lt. Governor Primavera in September to Colorado's federal delegation, and convened local leaders in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs to highlight the stakes that businesses and rural communities will face if the tax credit is not renewed. Governor Polis also joined a group of governors calling on Congress to act before insurers finalize 2025-2026 rates for the November 1 open-enrollment deadline.

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