Rep. Jarrells Urges Immediate Action to Protect Ohioans Amidst Potential Federal Government Shutdown

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today urgently calls upon Congress to prioritize the welfare of Ohioans as a potential federal government shutdown looms on Sunday, October 1st.

"Over 179,000 Ohioans, including women, infants, and children, face the risk of losing access to crucial nutrition support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program,” said Rep. Jarrells. “The well-being of Ohioans is our utmost concern. We cannot let political divisions jeopardize the nutrition and health of our most vulnerable citizens."

The White House warns that Ohio could experience a devastating disruption in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which currently serves 179,262 individuals in the state, including 42,341 women, 93,119 children, and 43,802 infants, all of whom rely on WIC for vital nutrition assistance.

National WIC Association Board Chair Kate Franken has expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of a government shutdown for millions of pregnant and postpartum women, babies, and young children. Rep. Jarrells supports her call to action and urges Congress to swiftly reach a budget agreement that ensures the uninterrupted support of WIC.

Furthermore, a federal government shutdown also jeopardizes our national security and places an unfair burden on our servicemembers. According to the White House, servicemembers, including Ohio's 6,800 active-duty military personnel, could be compelled to work without pay until funding becomes available.

The Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) is diligently preparing for all possible scenarios. However, the optimal solution is for Congress to come together in a bipartisan spirit to prevent such a crisis.

Rep. Jarrells implores Congress to prioritize the needs of Ohioans and all Americans by urgently reaching a budget agreement that ensures the nutrition, health, and security of our communities. Immediate action is needed to prevent our most vulnerable citizens from bearing the weight of political discord.