LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Despite the federal government officially ending its shutdown earlier this week, its effects are still unfolding across Arkansas.
The Arkansas Department of Commerce confirmed that 62 employees with the Division of Services for the Blind were furloughed at the end of business Friday, citing delays in the return of federal funding.
Meeting held to discuss plans for new facilities coming to Arkansas Schools for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Deaf
The Division of Services for the Blind—part of Arkansas Workforce Connections—provides essential support to blind and severely visually impaired Arkansans. Its programs help more than 2,000 individuals statewide each year through job training, transition services for students, supported employment and independent living assistance.
Clark Cogbill, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Arkansas Department of Commerce, said the furloughs are unavoidable because the federal dollars haven’t yet been disbursed back into the programs that fund these positions…