THUMBS DOWN

Daylight savings still a thing

This Sunday at 2 a.m. daylight saving time goes into effect and clocks will fall back to 1 a.m. This means everyone gets an extra hour this Sunday. While it is great to get another hour back after losing one in the spring, it is still annoying to go through this clock upkeep every six months; especially since it is widely unpopular. Both political parties have pushed legislation to stop daylight savings, and have seen overwhelming public support for the bipartisan efforts. But it never goes anywhere and after this federal government shutdown, it’s doubtful anything will be done.

$4 million for Minn. food shelves

With SNAP payments set to end thanks to the continuing government shutdown, it appears like area food shelves will be expected to fill in the gap. Fortunately, in Minnesota the state has decided to step in and give $4 million in aid to food shelves. Each food shelf is expected to get $5,000 with additional funds awarded based on the need. This is only a temporary solution intended to fill in the gap until SNAP funding is reinstated and honestly, it might not be enough to fill the growing need, but at least it is some action to help those who desperately need it.

EAP funding frozen

As the weather takes a turn for a cold, funding for Energy Assistance Programs (EAP) are nowhere to be seen. The government shutdown has also impacted funding for the Low Income Home Enegery Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Last year in Brown County alone, 634 households benefited from EAP, but it is unclear if any funding will be available before the snow flies. Organizations administering EAPs are still encouraging eligible households to apply for assistance for the 2025/2026 season. This will at least help prepare for when funds become available, but there is a real risk many could be left out in the cold if funding does not arrive. The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk to America’s most vulnerable populations.