Here’s how the federal government shutdown is affecting Oklahoma

The federal government shutdown, now heading toward a fourth week after negotiations stalled again, is taking a toll on Oklahoma, as effects on employment, food banks and federal operations in the state continue to increase.

Gridlock between Republicans and Democrats on a funding bill has been unrelenting since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, largely due to disagreements surrounding Affordable Care Act tax credits.

USA TODAY reports more than 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed across the U.S., a number that’s likely to grow after a 10th attempt to pass a funding bill in the Senate failed Thursday, Oct. 16.

In Oklahoma, the third-longest government shutdown in U.S. history is impacting meal programs and unemployment, and effects will likely multiply as funding and resources continue to dwindle.

A study by WalletHub released earlier in October found Oklahoma is the ninth-most impacted state by the shutdown.

Data from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission shows unemployment claims have reached 412 so far this month from the federal government. The agency reported 61 filings in the first week of October, followed by 194 in week two. Through Thursday, Oct. 16, the agency reported 157 filings in the third week of the shutdown.

All unemployment claims in Oklahoma are up year-over-year for the filing week that ended Oct. 4. State data shows initial claims were up 8.3%, and continued claims are 13.4% higher than a year ago.

Lynn Gray, the chief economist for the Employment Security Commission, said the increase is apparent, but not yet concerning.

“We’ve been at a relatively low level,” Gray said.

Shutdown standstill impacting Oklahoma’s largest military installation?

The largest employer in the metro area, Tinker Air Force Base, is undoubtedly impacted by the shutdown, though it remains unclear to what extent.

There’s no word on how many of the 26,000 military and civilian employees are affected, but the base relies on annual federal appropriations to continue operating. Multiple inquiries to Tinker’s Public Affairs Office were not returned as of print deadline Oct. 16.

The office did send a statement to The Oklahoman on Oct. 1, stating the Department of the Air Force operating under an appropriation lapse significantly impacts their “readiness, modernization efforts, overall ability to maintain technological superiority.”

A contingency plan by the Department of Defense states that close to half of all civilian employees will be furloughed during the shutdown.

Food banks preparing for rise in demand

The shutdown will eventually affect everyday Oklahomans as it persists, Regional Food Bank Director of Marketing and Communications Austin Prickett said.

Preparing for a rise in demand is akin to preparing for a disaster response or gearing up for tornado season, Prickett said.

“We’ve seen a rise in the need for food assistance across our partner network here in Oklahoma,” he said. “A lot of them are probably going to be seeing us for the first time, if we get to that point in the shutdown where more and more federal workers are missing paychecks.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) might be affected as soon as November. In a letter to state agencies dated Oct. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said there will not be enough funding to pay the entirety of November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues.

Regional Food Bank, which serves 53counties and has about 1,300 partner agencies across central and western Oklahoma, has been keeping an eye on the situation over the summer and has ordered food ahead of time to stay ahead of the demand. They have a good supply for the next few months, and they are continuing to order ahead in case they run into more stumbling blocks, Prickett said.

On day 15 of the shutdown, Oct. 15, the food bank was prepared for more folks to lose their paychecks, though some paychecks were extended, Prickett said, adding they’re continuing to monitor the situation.

If people need emergency food assistance, they can find the nearest food shelf online at www.rfbo.org/get-help.

“That’s what we’re here for is to help folks through emergency times like this where maybe you need some help supplementing your groceries for the month or you’re missing a paycheck, so you either have enough savings to pay your bills, pay your rent or buy food,” he said.

Prickett urged people to come together and find a compromise to get the government back open because it will start to affect everyday Oklahomans who are struggling day to day to find food. 

“In a long-term view it’s going to impact them as well, as we put another strain on our social safety net in Oklahoma,” he said.

Nonprofits have also had a tough year, and he encouraged people to volunteer, donate and advocate for them, Prickett said.

Federal courts approach end of funds

The federal courts website states that the judiciary will remain open through Friday, Oct. 17, by using court fee balances and other funding not dependent on an appropriation.

The three main federal courthouses in the state are located in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Muskogee.

Should the shutdown enter a fourth week, judiciary funds would be exhausted. At that point, courts would operate under the Anti-Deficiency Act. This allows work deemed necessary under Article III of the U.S. Constitution to continue.

“Under this scenario, each court and federal defender’s office would determine the staffing resources necessary to support such work,” the website reads.

OKC International Airport hasn’t seen impacts yet

Oklahoma City Director of Airports Jeff Mulder said the Oklahoma City International Airport hasn’t had any operational issues in air traffic control or security checkpoints.

However, travelers can likely expect delays at major airports due to a lack of air traffic controllers in busier airspace areas.

“Just prepare yourself mentally for that,” he said. “It’s hard to predict, but it’s occurring.”

“I would encourage anybody traveling just to prepare to encounter some problems in their trip, because it’s a system-wide issue,” he said. “Ultimately, you’ll obviously get there safely and maybe a little delayed, but you know the system still works and it’s safe.”

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Here’s how Oklahoma is affected by the government shutdown