As Congress missed the deadline to pass a federal budget, more than 100,000 government workers in the commonwealth are now affected by the federal government shutdown.

Today marks three entire months without a state budget. Pennsylvania’s counties, school districts and social service agencies are warning of mounting layoffs, borrowing costs and damage to the safety net, as the politically divided state government enters its fourth month of a budget stalemate.

October 1st was also a milestone for WITF. For the first time in more than 50 years, public media is now operating without federal funding. For WITF, this moment is about our responsibility to YOU the public, across a 19-county area of central Pennsylvania.

Planned Parenthood agencies nationwide can no longer bill Medicaid for providing basic medical care due to Congressional Republicans’ tax and spending law. Central Pennsylvania’s clinics say they will keep their doors open even as the cuts are reducing access to care around the country.

In a 4-3 decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that voters who cast their ballot by mail must be notified if a ballot is rejected due to an incorrect date missing signature or similar issue.

A federal judge has ruled that Pennsylvania will be shielded -- at least for now-- from losing millions of dollars in food-stamp benefits.

In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow.

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