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

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DENVER ~ Denver - As the federal government shutdown enters its first day, Governor Jared Polis is closely monitoring its impact on Colorado and taking action to mitigate harm to the state and its residents. In a press conference today, Governor Polis provided an update on the situation and urged Republicans in control of all three branches of the federal government to end the shutdown.

One of the main concerns for Governor Polis is the potential impact on families who rely on the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The program ran out of federal funding for food benefits on September 30th, but thanks to an emergency supplemental submitted by the Governor's office and approved by the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), WIC will continue to receive funding from the General Fund for up to one month.

Governor Polis emphasized that while this is a positive step, it is only a temporary solution. "WIC is just one of many challenges that our state will face if this shutdown continues," he said. "The state cannot fill the void left by the federal government, and if they do not reopen and save healthcare for Coloradans, there will be dire consequences."

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In addition to WIC, Governor Polis also addressed concerns about Colorado's national parks. He has been pushing for them to remain open during this busy fall tourism season and has offered support from the state to keep them operational. Late on September 30th, the National Parks Service directed park superintendents to use fee revenues as authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to keep parks open. All eight of Colorado's national park properties that collect fees will continue to operate using these funds.

While some physical structures such as visitor centers may be closed, FLREA allows main gates to remain open with continued custodial services. The state anticipates that all eight national properties will remain open until fee revenue runs out. The NPS has also asked each park to develop a process for accepting donations from local, state, and other donors to fund operations if needed.

The Colorado Department of Public Safety and Department of Natural Resources have been in touch with Colorado's national parks leadership, federal land managers, and county sheriffs to offer additional law enforcement support if necessary. Governor Polis stressed the importance of protecting Colorado's natural wonders and the visitors in these areas.

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Since June, Governor Polis has been urging 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 their premiums rise by 114% to 300%, and as many as 75,000 could lose coverage.

To protect families, Governor Polis worked with the legislature in August to strengthen Colorado's reinsurance initiative. He also 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 potential consequences for businesses and rural communities if the tax credit is not renewed. Along with a group of governors, Governor Polis is calling on Congress to act before insurers finalize rates for the November 1 open-enrollment deadline.

As the shutdown continues, Governor Polis will continue to closely monitor its impact on Colorado and take action where possible to protect the state and its residents. He remains hopeful that Congress will come together to end this shutdown and prevent further harm to hard-working Coloradans.

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