OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
UNION NEWS / OCTOBER 29, 2025

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The government shutdown is about to impact millions of Americans, including working people, in a major way. On Nov. 1, more than 40 million people may lose access to the benefits that allow them to buy food. That’s when the federal government plans to stop funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP because of the government shutdown.

SNAP helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries, including those who are already facing skyrocketing health care costs and the high costs of living. This could impact approximately 99,000 Ohioans who receive SNAP benefit services administered by OCSEA members.

“It's going to have a huge trickle-down effect,” said OCSEA Board member and President of OCSEA’s largest chapter, ODJFS/Medicaid Chapter 2599 Damon Neal. “This includes 1 in 4 children in Ohio as well as our veterans, the unemployed, low-income working families, the disabled and the elderly,” he said.

ODJFS is responsible for distributing aid to Ohio’s JFS county offices, so everywhere from our big cities to our smallest towns will be impacted, said OCSEA Board member and President of Franklin County JFS Chapter 2508 Cynthia Watiker.

“As FCJFS employees, we work with the impacted residents everyday––face to face and over the phone,” said Cynthia. “It’s twofold. We’re afraid for what it could mean for them, and for the public services we provide."

“Now it’s just a waiting game to see how it trickles down from the top. Trying to say the right words to those who are fearful, and continuing to service residents as they need us,” said Cynthia.

By cutting SNAP, the federal government is doubling down and gambling with lives and access to food, our jobs and our family security, says AFSCME. Our national union is urging member to contact Congress by calling 1-888-981-9704 to put an end to the government shutdown, an assault on working people and public services. Watch and SHARE this video from AFSCME.

At the start of the government shutdown, Ohio State Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus, introduced House Bill 502 which would make an appropriation to continue to fund SNAP and some other federal programs through Ohio's Rainy Day Fund. “Grocery stores won’t stop operating,” Rep. Humphrey was quoted by the Ohio Capitol Journal. “The bills won’t stop coming. The babies won’t stop needing formula, and families still have to eat,” she says, urging her Republican partners in the Ohio General Assembly to take action. As the Nov. 1 deadline looms, tell Ohio legislators to act and fund SNAP for Ohio working families. Find your Ohio Legislator HERE.

Looking to help in your community? Chapters and members are encouraged to visit Ohio's Food bank database to help locally or make a donation to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

For OCSEA member John Hickenbottom, nature is life! As a union Naturalist at the Salt Fork State Park, John oversees the brand-new Eco-Discovery Center which opened its doors to the public on Earth Day this year, April 22, 2025. The Eco-Discovery Center, a part of the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, has had more than10,000 visitors since it opened its doors earlier this year.

 

“Salt Fork is the largest state park in Ohio, and I think the Eco Discovery Center distills what makes Salt Fork special,” said John. Displays and interactives are directly related to Salt Fork and the Cambridge area and “really get the message across why Salt Fork is so special and why our state parks in general are special,” said John, who is proud of his public service to Ohio and as a union member with OCSEA Guernsey Chapter 3000.  

 

“Some of the things I try to do as part of my job is take abstract concepts and break them down into digestible pieces,” said John, who hopes the public, the guests who visit Salt Fork from all over the world, can “take that home with them, absorb that message and hopefully inspire them to do their part and maybe inspire kids to want to do this job for a living.”   

 

Bigfoot, as a character guide, is a tool for fun facts and education at the Eco-Discovery Center.

Read ODNR Naturalist John Hickenbottom's story in the most recent edition of the union magazine online at OCSEA.org/PEQ. The magazine was also mailed to all members this month.

 

And watch a video about John on OCSEA's YouTube page by clicking the image below:

By AFSCME International President Lee Saunders

 

"Congress needs to act now to help working families.

The longer this shutdown continues, the more our health care and our jobs are in danger. Look no further than the administration’s attempt to illegally fire federal workers. AFSCME sued and won a temporary block protecting essential public service jobs. But workers will continue to miss paychecks until this shutdown ends.

 

At the state and local level, funding for important programs like food assistance, Head Start and housing are all at risk of running out. This will hurt working families and potentially result in even more furloughs and layoffs.

 

We need AFSCME’s 1.4 million members to keep the pressure on Congress and make sure they lower health care costs. And whatever we do, we cannot—and will not—be silent about the shutdown." Read more.

 

More on Shutdown: Federal Employee Unions Win Extension of Order Barring Illegal Shutdown Firing

 

Tell Congress to Lower Health Care Costs

Get the fall edition of the union magazine, the Public Employee Quarterly, at OCSEA.org/PEQ. Read about the OCSEA leaders and activists who are making a difference in public service, their union and their communities.

OCSEA Veterans Committee Conference
November 14-15, 2025
Mohican State Park Lodge

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CC: OCSEA Board and Staff

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