U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters at the Capitol as lawmakers work on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on June 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
North Carolina will furlough at least 200 federally-funded state employees if the federal government shuts down at midnight, state officials said Tuesday.
And the state could see additional furloughs depending on how long the shutdown lasts, leaving federally-funded workers on leave without pay until Congress comes to a budget agreement.
A news release from the state’s Human Resources office called the furloughs “a decision of last resort.”
“The decision to implement furloughs is not one that has been taken lightly, and I deeply regret the hardship it will cause,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “I am upset with this federal dysfunction, and my administration is committed to doing everything in our power to advocate for a swift resolution.”
Furloughed employees will retain health care coverage through the month of October. If the shutdown extends past October, employees “should contact their agency HR office” for information about costs and premiums, according to the state HR office.
State officials could not immediately say how the initial round of 200 furloughs breaks down by department and job title.
Congressional leaders are meeting in Washington on Tuesday ahead of a shutdown set to begin at midnight. The White House has outlined plans to furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers, while others are set to continue work without pay.
The state has an online page detailing furloughs and what it means for impacted workers.