What the government shutdown means for the Beehive State

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The U.S. government has shut down after Congress failed to strike an agreement on funding legislation before a midnight deadline Wednesday morning. Here is what the shutdown looks like for the Beehive State:

National Parks

Anna Loughridge with the Utah Office of Tourism said that Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Park will remain open during the government shutdown.

“National Parks will remain open and accessible during the shutdown. Visitors should expect reduced services and reduced staffing,” Loughridge said.

Natalie Randall with the Utah Office of Tourism and Film said that the “At the end of the day, not only are these public spaces, but they also are connected to the communities within our state, and they are treasures. And we want to continue to allow them to be here for generations to come.”

Randall said that law enforcement shuttles and trash pickup, and restrooms are important for visitors, and that those items are being considered.

Utah DHHS

The Utah Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) said in a press release that none of the DHHS services will be interrupted due to the shutdown.

“At this time, none of our services will be interrupted due to the federal government shutdown. We will keep the public apprised of any changes,” the release said.

VA Salt Lake City health care

The Veteran Affairs (VA) website shared that VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open and providing all services during the shutdown.

Additionally, VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, suicide prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support will continue.

However, the website shared that VA will cease the following offices and programs:

• Transition program assistance and career counseling
• Benefits regional offices
• Public Affairs and outreach to Veterans
• Grounds maintenance or placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries
• Applications for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries
• Outreach to state, county, tribal, municipal, faith-based, and community-based partners by VA Central Office.