Federal Government Shutdown Statement from the Minnesota Department of Education

Below is a statement from the Minnesota Department of Education in regards to the federal government shutdown: 

Last night, Congress did not pass a federal budget or extend the current budget authorization by the end of the federal fiscal year, which has triggered a shutdown of federal government services deemed non-essential.

We have been preparing for all possibilities, including a shutdown. Prior year funding should remain available for most of the state’s federal education programs, which will allow them to continue operating through the beginning of the shutdown. Given this, the shutdown should not cause disruption in the near term for most federally funded state programs. The longer the shutdown remains in effect, the more impacts there are to federally funded state programs and communities throughout Minnesota.

This uncertainty is challenging. We know that federal education investments are a critical part of how districts and charter schools across Minnesota structure and provide high-quality education to more than 870,000 students across our state. These investments play a key role in helping our students learn and thrive.

We are hopeful that this will be a short-term situation and a budget that protects important funding for schools and libraries will be passed by Congress. However, we know that the new budget being debated by Congress included concerning cuts to important programs for Minnesota students. We are carefully monitoring these proposals and preparing in case they are passed.

No matter what happens at the federal level, MDE is committed to our work in supporting libraries and schools to ensure that every student receives a world class education. We are tracking this situation closely and will continue to analyze impacts at the state level. As always, we will keep you informed as there is more to share.