Opinion: Alaska’s federal delegation leaves constituents in the cold

Winter weather is settling in across parts of Alaska, and as folks start to bundle up, many are reaching for their thermostats. Unfortunately for many this winter, their ability to stay warm will heavily depend on events taking place over 2,000 miles away, in Washington, D.C.

On October 1st, the federal government failed to pass a budget resolution, and the government shut down. Rather than protect the healthcare and pocketbooks of working-class families, the far-right has chosen to sit out negotiations as the House moves into an extended recess. In the meantime, the Trump administration has celebrated the shutdown as an opportunity to fire another wave of civil servants, building upon many of the layoffs that caused chaos across federal agencies earlier this year.

Across Alaska, thousands of federal employees can expect to be furloughed. The state is home to 15,000 federal employees, not including military personnel. Many of these employees will be forced to resign or work without pay. A week after the shutdown began, the Administration has thrown into question if workers can count on back pay at all, with the President saying “There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of…” in reference to federal workers. These developments are particularly alarming in Alaska, as the cost of living due to policy changes — from tariffs to rising energy bills — is rapidly increasing.

A few federal programs provide a lifeline to our vulnerable economic neighbors. This includes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a program that helps low-income families afford their energy bills and prevent disconnections. In 2023, 4,737 households received assistance from LIHEAP in Alaska, the majority of which included a vulnerable household member. Future funding is currently tied up in the appropriations process, and the program’s solvency is uncertain unless a resolution is passed and funding is approved. Funding in Alaska is likely to expire in a matter of weeks.

During past shutdowns, other state LIHEAP offices have been forced to close temporarily or delay payments. As this particular shutdown draws out, Wyoming has already announced that it will soon run out of money for its program. In Alaska, where temperatures can reach extremes during the winter months, LIHEAP provides a critical public health service for many communities. Without the ability to access affordable energy, many folks may turn to unsafe heating practices (such as using a stove for home heating) or risk exposure to frigid temperatures.

If the government shutdown ends in the near future, it’s still hard to imagine what sort of government we will be coming back to. Earlier this year, for example, the entire LIHEAP staff was dismissed by the Trump Administration. Further permanent cuts could severely hinder the ability of the services to be deployed in an effective and meaningful manner. Even if the government comes back online, without a guarantee of back pay, a number of Alaskan families will be left hurting.

One New Hampshire Representative recently introduced legislation to fund LIHEAP during the shutdown. As Alaskans, we deserve to know what our federal delegation is doing to protect our communities this winter.

Jenny Hyde lives in Fairbanks and works at The Alaska Center as the Federal Infrastructure Coordinator.