The government shutdown threatens abuse survivors, families, and Native Americans: What do to about it today, 1-7-19.
The government shutdown is more than closed parks: It’s impacting life-supporting services for the most vulnerable among us. The needs of domestic violence survivors, housing and food assistance for children and families, and essential services in Indian Country are all at risk.
3. Survivors are at risk…
Life-saving domestic violence shelters and programs across the country are starting to plan staff layoffs and ways to shut down services. Federally-funded programs are currently paying all of their expenses out of pocket, hoping to be reimbursed by the government. But money will run out soon, and if programs can’t make rent or pay their mortgage next month, thousands of domestic violence victims may be forced out of shelters with nowhere to go.
2. Basic needs are at risk…
Millions of vulnerable Americans are now at risk of losing federal food and housing assistance because of the shutdown. Currently the Department of Housing and Urban Development has cancelled mandatory health and safety inspections across the country, leaving families in unsafe housing conditions . And, if the government shutdown continues, rental assistance payments and food vouchers to pregnant women and children will stop . There is already a real cost to the government shutdown; we must work to ensure that it ends soon!
1. Indian Country programs are at risk…
Essential services like law enforcement and road maintenance in Indian Country are at risk of closing . Because of a deal negotiated decades ago, the federal government provides basic services to nearly 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Without the federal funds, Tribal courts will stop hearing cases, roads will not be plowed in extreme weather, and health clinics will be shuttered.
Call your Senators and tell them to demand that Senator McConnell brings H.R. 21 to the floor for a vote. The Senate must send the six appropriations bills that passed out of the House of Representatives to the President! Nothing is more important!