Dear Folks,
Due to the weather report for tomorrow North County Resistance is CANCELLING tomorrow’s PROTEST in Nehalem. A suggestion would be for protesters to take time to write letters to our elected officials. Give them an earful! I’ve been working on something to send out to you today. I got this information from typing “How does government shutdown effect Oregon”. I’m doing the copy and paste method, and it appears some sentences are broken up, but am sure you can figure it out.
The government shutdown is expected to significantly impact Oregon, affecting federal workers, social services, and the economy, with potential long-term consequences if it persists.
Impact on Federal Workers.
Furloughs and Pay: Approximately 30,000 federal workers in Oregon may face furloughs or be required to work without pay during the shutdown. This situation creates uncertainty and financial stress for many families.
Essential Services: While some federal employees, such as air traffic controllers and TSA workers, are deemed essential and will continue to work, they will not receive pay until the shutdown ends.
Effects on Social Services
Healthcare Programs: Social Security and Medicare will continue to operate, but applications and services may experience delays due to reduced staffing. The shutdown could also lead to increased health insurance premiums, with estimates suggesting a 68% increase in Oregon for those on the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Food Assistance: Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are expected to continue, but prolonged shutdowns could lead to delays in benefits.
Economic Implications
State Economy: The shutdown could have broader economic repercussions, particularly if it lasts for an extended period. Experts warn that the costs of uncompensated care in healthcare will ultimately be borne by the public, affecting everyone in the system.
Public Services: National parks, including Crater Lake, will remain open, but services may be limited due to staffing shortages. This could affect tourism and local economies reliant on visitors.
Political Context
Legislative Stalemate: The shutdown stems from a failure to reach an agreement on a spending bill, with both parties blaming each other for the impasse. Oregon’s lawmakers have expressed concerns about the negative impacts on families and essential services.
In summary, the government shutdown poses significant challenges for Oregon, particularly for federal workers and those relying on government services. The longer the shutdown continues, the more pronounced the effects will be on the state’s economy and public welfare.
Hoping to get together with you next Saturday, November 1. Thanks for being a part of this community.
Best, Patty
