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Mercer County approves emergency declaration to help residents affected by federal shutdown
Summary
Mercer County approved an emergency declaration allowing the county to work with the state to support residents whose SNAP, WIC and LIHEAP benefits have been disrupted by the federal government shutdown.
Mercer County on Nov. 5 approved an emergency declaration authorizing the county to work with the state to help low-income and vulnerable residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Alice Grinsteinner, the county’s HR/EM director, told the board the shutdown is disrupting essential benefits programs including SNAP, WIC and LIHEAP.
The declaration directs county staff to coordinate with the State of North Dakota to identify and fill gaps in benefits and services while the federal shutdown continues. Commissioner Casey Voigt moved to approve the declaration and Mark Pierce seconded; all commissioners voted aye and the motion carried.
The move does not specify particular funding amounts or a timeline beyond the text approving cooperation with state agencies until the federal shutdown ends. The board’s action gives county officials administrative authority to pursue temporary assistance measures and to request state support where needed.
The emergency declaration was presented at the Nov. 5 meeting and approved without further discussion. The board did not specify any immediate funding allocations at the meeting; details and next steps are to be handled by county staff in coordination with state agencies.
