(Photo courtesy of Jacob Levin) “Effects of the shutdown in Salem”
Elias Arachiche
Connector Contributor
As we enter day 24 of the government shutdown (only 11 days short of the longest in American history), about 1.4 million government employees are missing their first full paycheck.
Screenshots circulate online of employees posting their wire check showing a startling 0 dollars and 0 cents despite working throughout the week.
While the nation is going through a cost-of-living crisis, some middle-class government employees are left to partake in activities which they could never have predicted less than a month ago.
In Hyattsville Maryland, which is home to about 60,000 government employees alone, food banks have sprung up.
What was once a line filled with vulnerable members of the community such as the homeless or unemployed now struggles to meet demands for the influx of traditionally middle-class families who now rely on them.
The Capital Area Food Bank, a nonprofit organization that manages food distribution across Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region, began its October 21st aid cycle with 300 boxes, which is usually enough to serve roughly 150 residents.
However, supplies were depleted halfway through the distribution period. Wanda Bright, a federal worker, commented on the state of the average federal worker right now in her city. She said, “A lot of us are stressed and it takes a toll on our mental health. Some people can handle this. A lot of people cannot.”
While some workers are able to get by due to savings, about 34% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck according to BankRate. Meaning that about a third of the population spends all their money on basic living expenses, and does not have an emergency fund in case of unexpected hindrance to their weekly/biweekly income.
The shutdown is also affecting private workers and citizens whose income has not been affected by the pauses in payments as air traffic controllers enter their third week without pay. Transportation Secretary Duffy claimed that prior to the shutdown, “short-staffing accounted for about 5% of flight delays on any given day.”
There is also growing concern about the stress levels of these essential workers, whose ability to maintain focus and perform at a high standard is critical to the safety of millions of American and international air travelers.
While the senate adjourned on Thursday, October the 20th to seek a solution, no progress was made and they are scheduled to meet again on Monday. All but confirming another week of no pay to the dismay of millions of American workers.
A separate Republican bill failed to pass, which aimed to pay federal employees and contractors who continue working during this shutdown, also on the 20th.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan, spoke in Lowell on October 17th reprimanding the GOP and President Trump for not budging on their commitment to make cuts to medicaid and other healthcare related government programs that were included in the Affordable Care Act.
Despite house Republicans willing to reopen the government, many Democrats are choosing to stay firm on not being able to move forward unless the GOP agrees to negotiate some of the changes coming in the Big Beautiful Bill.
As Congress continues to disagree, 1.4 million citizens will spend another week uncertain of their future.
