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Commissioner reports new office, working ID machines and contingency plans amid federal shutdown
Summary
At the Statutory Advisory Board meeting, Commissioner John reported that staff have settled into a new office, MCB ID machines are operational, and agency finances should carry operations into January while the federal shutdown limits federal contacts and may require greater use of state funds.
John, speaking as commissioner, told the Statutory Advisory Board that staff are settling into a new office and that the agency’s MCB ID machines are "up and running," allowing in-person ID services in Boston.
He said the federal government shutdown has reduced contact with the Rehabilitation Services Administration, leaving a single staff contact available to answer questions. "There is one individual who is working at the Rehab Service Administration," John said, adding that most federal staff are on furlough and that many agency reports are due at the end of October and in November.
On finances, John said state funding and regular state disbursements have kept the agency solvent for the near term. "We have money to take us into January if the government is not open by then," he said, while noting that the agency would need to consider using additional state funds or other contingency strategies if the shutdown persists.
John also described operational changes after the office move: staff are adjusting to a scheduling system that is busiest Tuesday through Thursday, walk‑in traffic has resumed, and morale is reported as good following an annual staff meeting attended by more than 100 employees. He said the agency has had recent retirements and that at least one new hire will start in mid‑October with another candidate’s start date expected later in the fall.
The board did not take any formal action on budget matters during the meeting; John said staff will continue monitoring federal communications and that the agency will pursue state options if needed.
