MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Government funding is running out. And while the effects of a shutdown might not be seen in the short term, leaders said there's still a lot on the line.

"Well, the reason we all freak out, is because it's a big deal," said Rick Pate, commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

Pate said USDA funding is at stake for Alabama's meat inspection and pesticide programs. He said in the short term, some funding has already been pulled down that will keep the food safety programs going.

"A month, we might have to start thinking about how we're gonna get through it," he explained. "But, probably longer than that, then there might be some programs that are probably important to Alabamians, important to public health, that will be impacted."

According to Alabama Arise, a

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