How will a gov't shutdown affect you?

[Frugal]

Hi all,

I have been following the approaching gov't shutdown that will happen if a compromise is not reached by 12 midnight tonight (4/8/11). I am wondering if any of you are going to be affected by a potential shutdown. Some people might not get paychecks, others might not get some benefits.

How do you stand to be affected? What is your opinion of the shutdown? Is it negative for the economy, or a good thing to perhaps reduce or rethink gov't spending?

I am waiting to see if this will happen tonight, or not, but we are getting pretty close to Congress' deadline...

[creditcardfree]

Well as it stands at this moment by husband's paycheck for the 15th will only include pay through today. After that he won't get paid until the budget is resolved, although he will continue to work everyday as he usually does.

I'm completely irritated that they can't agree on something. They have had over 6 months since this was to be put in place.

[kork13]

While I'm certainly not happy that we're not going to be paid until they get this worked out, I'm not overly concerned. This is exactly the kind of totally unexpected circumstances that savings (emergency funds specifically) are designed to cover.

As for my feelings... First thing that comes to mind for me? I'm embarrassed and concerned for the US's international standing. This is supposed to be one of the world's top economies, most powerful nations, and a global leader.......which can't force it's representative government to fund itself?!? I see national security and international diplomacy complications arising out of this. Additionally, I'd like to personally deliver a swift kick in the face to each and every member of the Congress....but that's just me....

[Pansori]

It won't affect me, per se, but I work in a very well established military bank in the credit card dept. We are already getting concerned calls from the members asking what will be done if the government shuts down. My bank is taking proactive measures, saying that they will treat affected customers the same way we treat customers who are affected by catastrophic events... the funny thing is we have been instructed to not offer the help, and in fact to not bring it up at all unless we are directly questioned. Big business for you.

[snafu]

It certainly affects my USA investments negatively. Like Kork, I'm embarrassed that the largest democracy can't get it''s act together. Non democratic countries like China or Middle East can point to the American mess and justify their self serving system.

I found it amazing that elected officials will not be affected; they will collect pay even if all non urgent employees are furloughed. I wonder where air traffic controllers rank.

[creditcardfree]

Originally Posted by snafu

It certainly affects my USA investments negatively. Like Kork, I'm embarrassed that the largest democracy can't get it''s act together. Non democratic countries like China or Middle East can point to the American mess and justify their self serving system.

I found it amazing that elected officials will not be affected; they will collect pay even if all non urgent employees are furloughed. I wonder where air traffic controllers rank.

Air traffic controllers are essential and not ever furloughed.

Turns out Congress has come to a deal this evening. I think my husband's pay will be just fine as of next week. Yeah!!

And kork...completely agree with all that you said!!

[kork13]

Originally Posted by creditcardfree

Turns out Congress has come to a deal this evening. I think my husband's pay will be just fine as of next week. Yeah!!

And ya know what? Congress will be all proud with the fact that they averted an absolute shut-down of the government. They'll take credit for 'bipartisanship' and 'cooperation'. We have so much to be grateful for!!

However, I am glad that at least it'll FINALLY be taken care of. There are 2 civilians in my squadron (upon whom our unit depends significantly), and they were told yesterday that they would most likely be furloughed. Plus, their husbands are both in the military, so their income was set to go from 2 adequate paychecks to half of one. For their sake, and everyone else in their position, I'm glad. As for Congress, BOOT TO THE HEAD.

[shanecurran]

I talked to my friend last weekend who works for the BLM, he was disappointed that there was no government shutdown. He was looking forward to a little of time off! LOL.

[Frugal]

I am wondering now what happens this week. Think Obama will address the nation tonight, and no one is going to be happy about far-ranging budget cuts regarding everything from Social Security to paycuts for some people. However, does anyone know if the extension I THOUGHT they had approved through midnight Thursday, could possibly not be approved? I thought a budget shutdown could still happen if Dems and Repubs and Obama fail to agree to extend a final budget through the end of fiscal year 2011. Then they had to work on the budget for next year, 2012.

Could anyone please clarify this for me? Thanks!

[kork13]

You're absolutely correct. If for some reason the Congress can't pass the bill that contains the funding agreement, the the same shutdown will occur. However, for as much egg in the face that everyone received for this mess, I'm pretty sure that no one will allow it not to pass. Sure, there will still be some on both sides that vote against it merely out of spite/idealism, but I expect that this one is finally a solution through the end of the year.

[GREENBACK]

As we're now learning, this is all about the same old B.S. political posturing as it's always been. They never intended to shut down.

[khosta]

It wouldn't have affect me because I don't work for the goverment.... but I do believe I may not of recieved my tax returns...

[khosta]

And PS - I saw someone post this on facebook as a sarcastic comment -----> "Dear Congress, Last year I mismanaged my funds and this year I cannot decide on a budget. Until I have come to a unified decision that fits all of my needs and interests, I will have to shut down my checkbook and will no longer be able to pay my taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example we can all follow."

[bjl584]

Directly it won't. Indirectly it may, but it's impossible to really know how.

[maat55]

I would stew over the fact that the over-paid government workers would most likely get a paid vacation.