It’s been more than 30 days since over 800,000 federal workers were put on furlough or are working without pay while facing the longest partial government shutdown in American history. As the fight between the White House and Congress over border wall funding drags on, many Americans are wondering how they are going to make ends meet.
From Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers to law enforcement, and even to the Coast Guard, many are seeking some type of relief. As money runs low in homes across the nation, federal employees are turning to family and friends for help. Some are accepting charitable donations from places like churches and going to food banks for essential resources such as food and household goods. Federal workers were even encouraged by their employers to hold garage sales or negotiate their rent or mortgages with landlords and banks.
“There are many federal government employees who are living paycheck to paycheck. I know of families who are getting creative with meals and will have to head to food banks in the next few weeks if this shutdown does not end,” says Candice Williams an educator and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Omega chapter. She questions why members of Congress are still getting paid while so many are left to struggle stating, “A lot of the federal employees who are not being paid are still working, including my husband. All while Congress enjoys their paychecks.” Williams encourages others to consider writing or calling their representative to get them to negotiate to end the shutdown.
Though social security checks have yet to be affected, government assistance programs that administer food stamps and help for women and children could be at risk should the shutdown persist.
As 2020 fast approaches, this issue serves as a reminder of how important it is that each of us exercise our right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. It’s never too early nor too late to spread the word and do our part. VOTE in 2020.
“There are many federal government employees who are living paycheck to paycheck. I know of families who are getting creative with meals and will have to head to food banks in the next few weeks if this shutdown does not end,” says Candice Williams an educator and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Omega chapter. She questions why members of Congress are still getting paid while so many are left to struggle stating, “A lot of the federal employees who are not being paid are still working, including my husband. All while Congress enjoys their paychecks.” Williams encourages others to consider writing or calling their representative to get them to negotiate to end the shutdown.
Though social security checks have yet to be affected, government assistance programs that administer food stamps and help for women and children could be at risk should the shutdown persist.
As 2020 fast approaches, this issue serves as a reminder of how important it is that each of us exercise our right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. It’s never too early nor too late to spread the word and do our part. VOTE in 2020.
This article was submitted by Michelle Watson, Connections Committee member
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