Little Rock, Arkansas – In anticipation of a possible federal government shutdown, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued a directive to state agency leaders outlining the steps to take should Congress fail to approve funding by the midnight deadline on September 30, 2025. The memo, addressed to cabinet secretaries, lays out the protocol for maintaining critical public services and suspending federally funded programs that cannot legally operate without federal appropriations.
Governor Sanders emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect the public during a potential lapse in federal funding. “While we are hopeful congressional Democrats will not obstruct President Trump’s plans to fund the government,” Sanders wrote, “we must be prepared to ensure the continuation of those services vital to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare, while temporarily suspending government services that rely on federal funding.”
Key Shutdown Contingency Plans Outlined
The directive outlines a three-part framework for agencies to follow when evaluating which programs may continue during a federal shutdown and which must pause.
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Essential Services with Federal Support: Programs and employees identified by the federal government as necessary for public safety, health, or welfare may continue to operate, but only if the federal government provides written documentation confirming guaranteed funding during the shutdown period.
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Programs with Unspent Federal Grants: If agencies have remaining funding from current or previous federal grants, and those funds are authorized for continued use, such programs and positions may continue until that funding is exhausted.
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Suspension of Non-Essential Federally Funded Programs: All other programs or positions that rely in whole or in part on federal funding will be suspended effective Wednesday, October 1, and will remain so for the duration of the shutdown. No exceptions will be made unless public safety, health, or welfare would be endangered.
Support for Agency Decisions and Personnel Guidance
Governor Sanders assured cabinet officials that her administration would provide guidance and support throughout the process. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), particularly the Budget and Accounting offices, and the Department of Shared Administrative Services (SAS), including the Office of Personnel Management, are available to help agencies assess their funding situations and determine which staff and services are impacted.
“My administration will do everything in our power to keep the vital functions of government working,” Sanders noted in her memo, underscoring the importance of preparedness and cooperation across state departments.
The Governor’s directive comes as the nation approaches the end of the fiscal year with no confirmed federal budget agreement. A shutdown would affect millions of Americans, halting or delaying funding for food assistance programs, federal employee pay, and numerous federally supported state services.
Arkansas agencies are now reviewing federal funding streams and staffing structures to comply with the Governor’s order and minimize disruption to essential state services.
