Olmsted County leaders prepare for shutdown
Olmsted County community leaders are preparing for a possible government shutdown. They've formed a crisis management team to assess the impact and help the county's nonprofits with financial planning.
A shutdown could prevent many nonprofits from delivering services ranging from emergency food shelf assistance to youth programs at the Y, and child care services funded by the state.
"We know that we've got a moving target out there," said April Sutor, who serves on the Olmsted County crisis team. "If somehow the government decides there are certain things that we will keep, then that may change some of our planning and working."
Karen Erlenbusch, president of the United Way of Olmsted County, said her organization is helping nonprofits with financial planning if their funding is halted.
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"There are several organizations that right now are facing just the uncertainty and so with that emotions run high, there's a lot of anxiety," Erlenbusch.
At least 829 families who rely on child care services in Olmsted County could see a reduction in services, Erlenbusch said.
April Sutor (SUE-tor) serves on the Olmsted County crisis team. She says the group has been assessing the impact a state government shutdown would have on community services.
"We know that we've got a moving target out there," said April Sutor, who serves on the Olmsted County crisis team. "If somehow the government decides there are certain things that we will keep, then that may change some of our planning and working.