KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe gave an update in Jefferson City on the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown on Missouri residents and state agencies. He stated that more Missouri families are expected to feel the consequences as the shutdown continues.

“Senate Democrats are holding the federal government hostage, and even more Missouri families may soon be paying the price for their political grandstanding,” Governor Kehoe said. “We appreciate our Republican congressional delegation for doing their part to put the livelihoods of Americans first, and we urge Democrat Senators to do what's right and reopen the federal government.”

Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced it will not be able to issue November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS). The department explained that SNAP benefits are entirely funded by the federal government through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, and there is no way for state funds to replace this federal support.

“There is still time for Democrats to come to the table, so Missouri's most vulnerable families will have food on their tables next month,” said Governor Kehoe. “More than 667,000 Missourians are at risk of losing SNAP benefits because Democrats in Washington would rather fight President Trump than reopen the federal government. The State of Missouri has no avenue to covering these funds for the over 326,000 households who may be affected. Our Department of Social Services team stands ready to issue November funds as soon as possible once the federal government is reopened.”

The DSS advised those affected by potential benefit interruptions to try stretching their October balances into November if possible, and to review local food resources such as food banks and pantries.

Governor Kehoe also noted ongoing monitoring of impacts on Missouri’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which is federally funded through USDA. Approximately 98,000 Missourians depend on WIC for nutritional assistance.

The shutdown has led to several additional effects across Missouri:

- Around 56,000 federal employees in Missouri may miss paychecks during this period.

- Small Business Administration loan distributions are suspended during a shutdown. This blocks over $15 million in weekly loan assistance available to small businesses in Missouri according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

- Prolonged shutdowns can negatively affect economic output; each week without resolution could decrease Missouri's Gross State Product by an estimated $232 million and increase unemployment by about 800 workers if a shutdown lasts one month.