GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The government shutdown may not only affect food assistance programs but also other federally funded programs.

Right now, there’s growing concern that the government shutdown could stop people from keeping the lights and heat on this winter.

“Energy services in Michigan are definitely being impacted by the government shutdown,” said Rick Bunch.

Rick Bunch is the Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal Association for Utility Issues.

He works with local governments to help deal with utility issues, like helping low-income households afford gas and electric services.

He says thousands of households in our state are in jeopardy of not receiving financial assistance from the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as LIHEAP, bec

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