Federal Worker's Family Feels the Pinch as Shutdown Drags On
DENVER - As the federal government shutdown enters its 31st day, one family is feeling the weight of the economic strain. Stephanie Rogers, a 44-year-old microbiologist and single mother of two, has been forced to tighten her belt in order to make ends meet.
"It feels terrible," Rogers said, reflecting on the situation. "We're having to dip into my retirement savings just to get by."
Rogers' family moved in with her mother about half an hour south of Denver several months ago due to rising costs and financial strain. The decision was made after careful consideration, with Rogers estimating that their combined household expenses would be unsustainable in the long term.
"We were already struggling to make ends meet," Rogers explained. "When you add up the numbers between both households, it was going to be something we couldn't keep going long term."
The shutdown has had a ripple effect on federal employees and their families, with many facing financial hardship due to delayed paychecks. According to data from the Congressional Budget Office, over 800,000 federal workers are affected by the shutdown.
Rogers is one of them. As a microbiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), she has been furloughed since the beginning of the shutdown. Her paychecks have been delayed, leaving her family vulnerable to financial instability.
"We're having to cut back on everything," Rogers said. "We're eating less meat, cutting back on entertainment expenses... it's just a really tough situation."
The impact of the shutdown is not limited to federal employees and their families. Local businesses are also feeling the effects, with some reporting decreased sales and revenue due to reduced consumer spending.
"It's a domino effect," said Emily Johnson, owner of a local coffee shop in Denver. "When people don't have money to spend, it trickles down to us."
As the shutdown continues, Rogers is left wondering when she will receive her next paycheck. "I just wish they could come to an agreement and end this already," she said.
The current status of the shutdown remains uncertain, with negotiations between lawmakers ongoing but no clear resolution in sight. As the situation drags on, families like Rogers' continue to feel the pinch.
Background:
The federal government shutdown began on December 22, 2018
Over 800,000 federal workers are affected by the shutdown
Federal employees have been furloughed or working without pay since the beginning of the shutdown
Additional Perspectives:
A spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) stated that the agency is working to provide support to affected federal employees and their families.
A group of lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at providing financial assistance to federal workers during the shutdown.
Next Developments:
Negotiations between lawmakers are ongoing, with a potential resolution expected in the coming days
Federal employees and their families continue to feel the effects of the shutdown, with many facing financial hardship
*Reporting by Npr.*
