Governor Lolo Moliga has given his approval to exempt the ASNAP (Food Stamp Program) and the ASWIC (WIC Program) from his “Shutdown Order” for federal funded operations to close down and personnel to stay home.
Director of Human and Social Services Muavaefaatasi John Suisala said the decision was based on assurances he received Friday from the federal grantor for these two major programs to continue to provide supplemental nutrition assistance, nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and support so long as the local agency has funding to pay for these services and personnel.
As such, the ASNAP and the ASWIC will remain open during the duration of a federal government shutdown so long as it will not continue beyond February or March.
Muavaefaatasi says he’s staying in contact with federal grantors for all other DHSS programs and services to determine when they can be restored and personnel can return to work.
He told KHJ News, “I am confident that we will get more information and guidance from our federal partners before close of business today.”
The remainder of DHSS personnel have been informed to stay home today until further notice from the director.
However, if the Senate vote now scheduled for 1 am Monday approves funding to reopen the federal government and fund it until February 8, 2018, all DHSS programs and services will be fully restored and personnel returnes to work right away.
