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The latest news and announcements from Mayor London N. Breed

Mayor Lee’s Statement on Potential Federal Government Shutdown

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement regarding a potential Federal Government Shutdown to begin October 1, 2013:

“I am very disappointed that our nation finds itself on the eve of a potential Federal Government shutdown. I urge Congressional Republicans to take immediate action to avert this shutdown, which will have immediate and profound impacts to our residents.

Locally, Congress’ inability to act means that our lowest income residents could lose full access to critical services.  Specifically, a prolonged government shutdown could affect the more than 31,000 San Franciscans served by the San Francisco Housing Authority and the more than 31,000 families relying on subsidized food and nutrition programs.  Our most vulnerable residents are the people who stand to suffer the most from Congressional Republican inaction. While the City’s budget could weather a short shutdown, a prolonged stoppage could have serious consequences for San Franciscans receiving these and other critical social services.

For San Francisco, federal funding is critical to providing vital City services, such as public safety, including homeland security, housing for our most vulnerable residents, health and human services, and implementing critical infrastructure and capital projects. Congress’ actions directly jeopardize programs and services funded by the $447 million in federal government funds, including $214 million that supports the General Fund.  

I am extremely concerned about the devastating impacts a shutdown will have on our City.”