As federal shutdown looms, Wisconsin National Guard still available for state emergencies

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin National Guard will remain available to respond to declared state emergencies, regardless if a federal government shutdown occurs at midnight tonight (April 8).

While the National Guard is federally funded, state funds are used when the National Guard is called to state duty for declared emergencies.

"Our core mission to the people of Wisconsin is not jeopardized by temporary federal budget issues," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "If the governor needs us, we are there."

The lack of a federal budget, however, is having an impact on the Wisconsin National Guard.

A Wisconsin National Guard Family Program Conference and Youth Symposium scheduled for this weekend in Oconomowoc, Wis., has been cancelled as it would extend beyond the projected start of a federal funding freeze. Similarly, Guard units have been informed that all training for this weekend is cancelled.

"This is disappointing but necessary," Dunbar said.

While federal agencies have indicated that frontline homeland security and law enforcement personnel would continue operations during a shutdown, roughly 650 of the Wisconsin National Guard's approximately 900 federal technicians may be furloughed for an undetermined time.

Full-time National Guard members serving as Active Guard Reservists (AGR) and some federal technicians will not be furloughed.

Wisconsin National Guard federal technicians will not be allowed to serve as unpaid volunteers during the furlough, and may not take paid leave even if approved prior to the furlough.

Approximately 700 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen currently deployed in support of the global war on terror will continue their mission, but according to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service may not receive pay until Congress agrees on a budget.