Update: As of November 10th, seven of the Senate Democrats flipped sides to join the Republicans, under the interest of passing the funding bill and ending the 42 day government shutdown. By ending the deadlock, the bill passed the Senate and is currently going to the House for voting.
Due to the national government shutdown, funding for government agencies, programs, and infrastructure projects, officially expired as of September 30th.
A shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding bills, forcing many federal agencies to stop “nonessential” work. This will affect families, small businesses, housing, federal employees, national parks, museums, assistance programs, and air travel.
The current shutdown started due to the Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives not agreeing on funding for the Affordable Care Act. While other factors played into it such as federal spending levels and foreign aid, health insurance subsidies were the main disagreement.
How is the shutdown not only affecting big cities, but smaller communities closer to home, like Ann Arbor?
Even though schools receive some federal money, they are mostly funded through state and local funds and will continue running throughout the shutdown. Although, if the shutdown continues for an extended period of time, there may be funding problems.
The longer the shutdown goes on, the more federal programs may be disrupted.
With the government shutting down, Small Business Administration (SBA) loan payouts are on hold. In Michigan, nearing $92 million in SBA funds remain delayed as the shutdown reaches day 17. This will deny local small businesses from getting loans until the government is back in business.
As of November fifth, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue. SNAP will come in delayed, and half regular amounts. “SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive the partial SNAP payment Saturday, Nov. 8.” The Michigan government says, “All other SNAP recipients will receive benefits on their normally scheduled date.”
Ann Arbor Public Schools will be keeping the free lunches that they’ve been offering, at least until the end of this school year. Skyline High School specifically will be collecting donations to support families in need of food assistance. Cash or check donations will be accepted in the main office, along with, grocery gift cards, hygiene items, new or clean, (gently used), winter clothing, and non perishable food items (Check list here). Electronic monetary donations can be donated with this link.
If you are able to donate or if you are in need of support, please complete this form.
Air traffic controllers, and Transportation Security Administration are working without pay since the 24th of October.
The shutdown is over after 42 days, 22 hours, and 25 minutes. This makes it the longest Government Shutdown in history, shortly surpassing the 35-day shutdown that was also under Donald Trump’s Administration.
