I've seen this before and it's in my opinion an example of how divisive/slimy politics can get. When city/state/federal governments have budget issues they shut off the "consumer" facing services to get the outrage required to move public opinion. Who would care (other then the government employees) if some obscure government agency was shuttered? This is a message. I'm curious how much the amber alert program really costs (I assume not much, a few million?) compare that to a laundry list of what's still operational and you'll see my point.