Olmsted County monitors federal government shutdown
Olmsted County is monitoring the potential federal government shutdown if Congress does not pass legislation to extend funding before October 1, 2023. Federal programs and services administered by the county should not experience impacts during a short-term shutdown. Olmsted County will continue assessing the situation should a shutdown occur for an extended period.
Food and nutrition support
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Olmsted County WIC services will continue even if the federal government shuts down on October 1, 2023. The county can continue to operate through the first part of October with federal funds already allocated to the state. Olmsted County is exploring other funding options for the WIC program if an extended shutdown occurs.
WIC participants should:
- Keep their WIC appointments.
- Continue using WIC benefits at stores.
- Monitor updates on the Minnesota WIC website and My MN WIC app.
- Contact Olmsted County WIC with questions by calling or texting 507-328-7555 or emailing wic@olmstedcounty.gov.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, which provides food benefits to families, will continue through October 2023.
Housing support
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority has received funding for the continued operation of Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program through December 31, 2023.
Veteran Services
Health care through the Veterans Health Administration and mandatory benefit payments to Veterans are funded through advanced allocations to Veteran Services. Veterans should plan to keep all appointments.
Property, Records, and Licensing (PRL)
The federal government shutdown should not impact services provided by PRL. Olmsted County will continue to process passports. Some applications may be delayed due to federal agencies being unable to approve required background information. Olmsted County encourages people who have applied for new passports to track their application status at travel.state.gov.
Other county programs
All other Olmsted County programs and services will remain open and operating normally.