LCO Programs, Services Will Remain Open Despite Federal Shutdown

Despite the federal impasse and subsequent shutdown in Washington, D.C., all Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Government programs, services and offices remain open. The LCO Tribal Governing Board (LCOTGB) has implemented a plan to keep tribal programs operating and avoids layoffs through December 15, 2013.

 

“As long as the federal shutdown ends before December 15th, we do not plan to be doing layoffs and all tribal programs will remain operational,” said LCOTGB Chairman Michael “Mic” Isham Jr. “If the shutdown goes beyond that date, we will then re-assess the situation with possible temporary layoffs for non-essential personnel until the shutdown ends.”

Lac Courte Oreilles has experienced a financial turnaround over the last 12 months due to a restructuring of debt obligations and a strengthened cash reserve position. “Therefore we are able to weather the storm caused by the federal shutdown,” said Isham.

The LCOTGB in continuing to monitor the situation unfolding in Washington, D.C. and is ready to take additional action if necessary to keep tribal programs operational and employees on the job.

“We will provide periodic updates over the weeks ahead to keep the LCO community informed about how we are dealing with the challenges posed by the shutdown,” Isham added. During the federal shutdown in 1996, LCO laid-off a large potion of office staff. “Many of us remember how hard that was on families and we don’t want to repeat that,” he noted.

Real-time updates from the LCOTGB will be posted to the tribal website at lco-nsn.gov and via the LCO Tribal Facebook page to help the community stay informed.