Government Shutdown
Between December 22, 2018 and January 25, 2019, the U.S. Government was partially shut down – the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Since then, a temporary deal has been in effect keeping the government open until February 15. However, if a new deal isn’t reached before then, the government will shut down again. Government shutdowns hurt our communities, the economy, businesses, and nonprofits. Read on to learn more.
*NEW* 2/18/19: Government Has Taken Action to Avert Another Shutdown
Congress averted another partial government shutdown last Friday when President Trump agreed to sign a bipartisan funding bill. More information on how this affects nonprofits coming soon. Thank you to all of you who used your voice to tell our government that another shutdown was not an option!
2/6/19: Another Shutdown Is Looming: Take Action Now
If Congress and the White House don’t reach agreement by February 15, 2019 on the issues that brought about the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the federal government will shut down again, inflicting more and lasting harm on the American people and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.
Another federal government shutdown is unacceptable. All three key segments of our nation’s economy – public, private, and nonprofit – sent letters telling the President and congressional leaders to end the shutdown immediately, because it hurts people, it hurts the economy, and it hurts individual businesses and nonprofits. See these letters from the National Governors Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Council of Nonprofits.
Why It Matters
The shutdown demonstrated how much the nonprofit community and federal government interact, and how much the public and government alike rely on nonprofits to fill the gaps. An important lesson learned by the public as a result of the 35-day shutdown is that nonprofits are integral to a properly functioning society and economy. In return, charitable organizations have both the opportunity and responsibility to help ensure that politicians never treat the lives and livelihoods of Americans as a bargaining tactic.
Take Seven Minutes to Protect the Public and Build Stronger Nonprofits
Please take seven minutes to help protect all Americans from the personal disruptions and costs that another government shutdown would inflict and help us all build a stronger nonprofit community.
First, pick up pick your phone and call the President, our two Senators, and your Representative. Tell the person who answers how you and your organization were affected by the federal government shutdown. Then deliver the same message to each office: “The government shutdown reminded everyone that nonprofits are the foundations of our communities, working to build well-being every day. Don’t undermine our communities; shutdowns are completely unacceptable and should never be an option.”
- Contact the White House. Dial the White House comment line at 202-456-1111. NOTE: The line may be busy, so keep trying.
- Call Senator Manchin (202-224-3954) and Senator Capito (202-224-6472) or call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with the Senators from your state.
- Call your U.S. Representative. Simply call the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected with your Representative. Not sure who’s representing you? Find your Representative here.
Second, send an email to all of the above making the same point: “The government shutdown reminded everyone that nonprofits are the foundations of our communities, working to build well-being every day. Don’t undermine our communities; shutdowns are completely unacceptable and should never be an option.”
Third, send a tweet that tells your federal policymakers how you feel about another government shutdown.
And if you still have some time, please let us know how the government shutdown affected you and your organization by taking our survey, and let us know what reception you get from your calls, emails, and tweets.
1/25/19: An Update on the Government Shutdown: Temporary Deal Reached!
This afternoon, the President announced a deal to re-open the federal government. More details will be available soon but news outlets are reporting that the continuing resolution to fund shut down federal departments would be through February 15 and includes a House/Senate conference committee on the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill to negotiate funding levels for border security. Congress still has to pass the resolution and the President has to sign it to re-open the government. Congress would also need to pass appropriations bills for shut down federal departments or pass another continuing resolution to prevent another shutdown after February 15.
If the work of your organization continues to be negatively impacted by the federal shutdown, we encourage you to continue to take the action steps laid out in our Action Alert to share your story with us and with your representatives as they work to pass this temporary resolution and negotiate a more permanent solution.
1/25/19: WVNPA Action Alert: Tell Your Reps About How the Shutdown is Affecting Nonprofits
Click here to read our Action Alert and learn about how and why to contact your legislators and the President to tell them to end the shutdown.
1/22/19: Memo from DJCS
Click here to read recent memos from the WV Division of Justice and Community Services regarding how the government shutdown is and will be affecting grant money distribution.
1/14/19: Take Our Survey Re: the Shutdown
The WVNPA wants to know if the government shutdown is affecting your nonprofit! Please take our very brief, 3-question survey here.
1/11/19: National Council Sends Letter on Shutdown
On January 11, 2019, the National Council of Nonprofits sent a letter to the President and Members of Congress, standing with the National Governors Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the majority of the American people in urging the President and Congress to immediately reopen the federal government. The letter makes clear that the partial government shutdown is no mere negotiating tactic; it is a tragic failure of leadership that now has very real and lasting consequences for our fellow Americans, our communities, and our organizations. Read the full letter.
