She Strengthens

The Human Cost of Government Shutdowns

As a federal employee, I’m all too familiar with the uncertainty and financial strain that comes with a government shutdown. Despite being fortunate enough to work for a branch that generates some of its own income, I’m still bracing myself for the potential long-term effects of this shutdown.

The Myth of Savings

One common criticism leveled at federal employees is that we should have more saved up. But this argument ignores the reality that most Americans, including government workers, don’t have a significant safety net. Moreover, federal salaries vary widely depending on location, job type, and employment contract. It’s unfair to expect employees in lower-paying positions or those living in rural areas to have the same level of savings as their higher-paid counterparts in urban centers.

The Shutdown’s Uneven Impact

During a shutdown, employees are categorized as essential or non-essential. Essential employees, like TSA screeners and prison guards, must continue working without pay, while non-essential employees are furloughed and may not receive back pay. Contract employees, including janitorial and security staff, may not get paid at all. The financial repercussions of this shutdown will be felt differently by each individual, depending on their job duties, employment contract, and personal circumstances.

Recurring Expenses and the Shutdown

Many government workers, like those in the private sector, incur recurring job expenses, such as advanced degrees, professional licenses, and mandatory continuing education classes. These expenses can be substantial, and employees may not be able to delay or cancel them without incurring interest or penalties. Additionally, essential employees may still need to show up to work, entailing significant, unreimbursed expenses, such as transportation costs.

Privilege and Savings

It’s easy to save money if you’re white, well-educated, upper-middle-class, straight, able-bodied, and lucky. However, most federal employees, like most Americans, don’t fit this profile. I, personally, have been able to save due to a combination of genetic, family, and socio-economic advantages. But many federal employees face unique challenges, such as dependents, medical expenses, or natural disasters, which make it difficult to save.

Unemployment Benefits and the Shutdown

Depending on where they live, federal workers may not qualify for unemployment benefits during a shutdown. This puts them in a difficult position, unable to meet expenses, and without access to additional income or unemployment benefits.

The Consequences of Unpaid Bills

Most big monthly expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, student loans, and professional licensure fees, cannot be re-negotiated or delayed. If unpaid, these expenses can lead to interest, late penalties, eviction, default, and damage to credit scores. Even with drastic cuts to discretionary spending, essential expenses will still need to be paid, making it unlikely that federal employees can make up for missing paychecks without significant financial hardship.

Stop Blaming the Victims

It’s time to stop making assumptions about how federal employees are affected by the shutdown, what they did wrong, or could do differently. Instead, we should focus on the source of the problem – our government’s legislative branch and executive leader. Let’s urge them to take responsibility and do their jobs, ensuring that federal employees receive the pay they deserve.