by Nick Escalada
The federal government has remained in an unprecedented shutdown since the first of this month after a lapse in funding, which has caused the impediment of several large programs and furloughing of over 750,000 employees. Amidst threats of mass firings from President Trump in his continued government efficiency initiative, agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration and The National Park Service have seen major compromises due to staff shortages. However, many government services remain in action and members of state institutions like Cal Poly Humboldt face confusion as to how they will be affected.
Long predating the shutdown is the Trump Administration’s enduring effort to dissolve the Department of Education, which pushed layoffs that halved the department’s staff in July. The branch is in charge of managing the $1.6 trillion in student loans currently distributed across the country, and to some surprise, their operations are slated to carry on relatively untouched. Despite the majority of staff at the Office of Federal Student Aid being furloughed, FAFSA applications continue to be accepted and processed, although approval criteria may be altered in the future by the One Big Beautiful Bill.
A major program on the chopping block is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). States like Minnesota and Texas are warning their constituents that SNAP benefits will be suspended in November due to a withholding of funds and eligibility information from EBT providers. OhSNAP! is an offshoot of the program and a vital food source for many Cal Poly Humboldt students, so a delivery stoppage could spell disaster for life on campus. As of this issue, neither OhSNAP! nor the university have announced a pause in services, and the pantry remains open with stocked shelves.
One function that has halted entirely are investigations in schools and universities over alleged civil rights violations. These investigations are conducted directly by the department’s civil rights branch, which was gutted by a mass layoff in March. Pending cases surrounding sex, race and disability-based discrimination have been dropped, leaving them and future cases to either be abandoned or resolved internally in their respective institutions.
Nick is the news editor at The Lumberjack, and studies wildlife and journalism with the goal of spreading his love of nature through media. A famous recluse, he is rarely seen at social functions, but you might dig him up in a SAC lounge beanbag chair. Chat with him at ne53@humboldt.edu!