Statement by Independent Sector’s President and CEO, Dr. Akilah Watkins, on the federal government shutdown
Government shutdowns damage the economy, waste taxpayer dollars, disrupt critical programs, and hurt those in need. In this moment where so many nonprofit organizations are already facing budget shortfalls and grant interruptions, the impacts of even a short shutdown could be severe and long-lasting.
Even in the face of self-inflicted crises like this one, nonprofit organizations will provide food, shelter, cultural and spiritual support, health care, and much more to those who are impacted. They will tackle this increased need despite further disrupted government payments, but every day that the government remains shuttered makes it harder for nonprofit organizations to help people recover.
We call on legislators to find a way forward that will reopen the government as soon as possible. Nonprofits will continue to step up for their communities, but it is time for policymakers to step up for nonprofits and the communities we both serve.
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Independent Sector is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Learn more at independentsector.org.
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Chloe Kessock
media@independentsector.org
