Federal shutdown could impact Kern County economy and services

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The ongoing federal government shutdown is poised to have significant repercussions in Kern County, affecting everything from business operations to oil permitting.

Ian Anderson, a political science professor at Cal State Bakersfield, highlighted the potential disruptions to programs like WIC and CalFresh, as well as delays in federal approvals crucial for the oil and agriculture sectors.

“Programs like WIC and CalFresh, those kinds of programs can be disrupted,” Anderson said.

He added that permitting and environmental impact assessments reliant on federal approval could also face delays.

While mandatory programs such as Medicaid and Medicare will continue, Anderson warned that federal workers might soon be furloughed, agencies could suspend services, and payment delays could impact those most reliant on federal aid.

“We have a high homeless population, a lot of Californians are reliant on some sort of supplement for their healthcare,” Anderson noted.

He emphasized that programs preventing extreme poverty could be affected from a public health standpoint.

The longer the shutdown persists, the more severe the impact could be, potentially resulting in missed paychecks for thousands of Californians, cuts to programs like Head Start, delays in Social Security services, harm to small businesses, and depletion of food assistance funding. Flight delays and national park closures are also likely.

Anderson expressed concern about the erosion of public trust in government due to shutdowns.

“Yes, when we, the impact on trust in government, when after shutdowns and things like this, you know, happen, I think it’s important for those of us that are voters to sit there and evaluate why reasoning for it, and, you know, hold our elected officials accountable,” he said.

Central Valley Congressman David Valadao declined to comment until a decision is made. At the same time, Vince Fong’s office criticized Senate Democrats for voting against keeping the government open, in part, quote, “It’s time for Senator Schumer to put governing for all Americans ahead of appeasing his progressive base. Our communities deserve better…”

Anderson advised those relying on potentially affected programs to prepare, but not to stress, noting that the state budget is separate from the federal budget.

The duration of the partial shutdown remains uncertain.