I am a federal worker affected by the current government shutdown. On Feb. 27, I received half a paycheck. This week I also had to visit the doctor twice because I’m sick. Stress can cause illness. Those visits alone cost $70 in copays.
While I was there, I spoke with people who didn’t even realize a partial government shutdown was happening. How is that possible? Because it isn’t affecting most people – only those of us working without paychecks. TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard and other agencies continue operating, so most Americans don’t notice.
Federal employees are still recovering from the 43-day shutdown last October. Now we’re in another one that could last just as long. Why the lack of urgency? The people making these decisions are still getting paid. Their lives don’t stop.
But the lives of many federal workers do.
How is anyone working a full-time, high-stress job supposed to pay rent, utilities, insurance, car payments, medications and groceries without a paycheck – or with only a promise of back pay later? Bills don’t pause because Congress can’t do its job. Creditors don’t care about shutdowns.
Meanwhile, federal workers still show up every day to fulfill our mission. Some even work overtime without pay. We took an oath to serve the American people, and we honor it every day.
Federal workers should not be used as pawns in political battles. Politicians on both sides of the aisle need to do their jobs and talk to each other.
We show up to serve the red, white and blue. They should, too.
Angela Grana
Bayfield
