From the office of Rep. Sharice Davids

GARNETT, Kan. (AP) — Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., held a press conference with Kansas farmers impacted by the federal government shutdown, which has halted key agricultural services at a time when producers are already struggling with rising costs due to tariff policies.

Davids was joined by Adam Phelon, a corn and soybean farmer from Garnett; Steve Bowlin, a produce farmer from Olathe; Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union; and Mike Beam, secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The shutdown has paused USDA programs that provide farm subsidies, short-term operating loans and conservation support, leaving many farmers without access to critical funding and information. Crop reports and market data are delayed, making it harder to plan and make financial decisions.

"The government shutdown is hurting Kansas families and farmers every day," Davids said. "Critical programs that keep our food supply strong, grocery costs low, and rural communities thriving are frozen, leaving hardworking Kansans in the lurch."

Davids is pushing for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. She recently announced support for bills to guarantee pay for aviation workers and ensure active-duty service members continue receiving their paychecks.

Kansas is home to more than 25,000 federal employees and more than 21,000 active-duty service members. The five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion, according to estimates.

Davids, received her seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the Johnson County Public Health walk-in clinic and urged Kansans to take advantage of local immunization services.

"Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can care for ourselves, neighbors, and communities," Davids said. "Taking that step helps protect the vulnerable, elderly, immunocompromised, and children, and keeps our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed."

Scientific research has shown that both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and proven to significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When more people are vaccinated, fewer infections spread through workplaces, schools and communities.

Johnson County offers walk-in immunization clinics in Olathe and Mission, administering flu, COVID-19 and routine vaccines without an appointment. The clinics accept a variety of insurance plans and allow for out-of-pocket payment when insurance is unavailable.