Gov. Mike Beebe says Arkansas doesn't have any more resources to cover the costs of programs affected by the federal government shutdown, and the state budget administrator says the number of state employees furloughed could rise to more than 4,000.
Beebe on Wednesday told state agency directors in a memo that as of Friday, any programs or employees dependent on federal funding are to be suspended until the end of the shutdown.
Beebe said in the memo that any federal employees or programs that continue beyond Friday must receive certification from the state's chief fiscal officer.
State Budget Administrator Brandon Sharp said the prolonged shutdown could increase the number of furloughed state employees from 673 to more than 4,000 next week.
Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.