The shutdown and Me

[JayFarrar]

So the GF, while a state employee, was told she might be furloughed because of the federal shutdown.

Her small biz development office is partially funded by federal grants and unless the shutdown is averted by close of business Tuesday, they'll be told not to report on Wednesday.

Things are fluid of course. They might be told they'll be able to work, but at reduced pay, depending on how much of their salary comes from the federal grants. They might be told to work, but that they may not get paid on the next payday, in this case that would be Nov. 1.

The 1st and 15th are normal, so the thinking is that the government will open up before then and all will be well.

It won't be disaster if she misses a paycheck but if she misses several and we're forced to get by on my piddly newspaper income, then it will get interesting.

So things are getting a little puckered up at the house.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Don't riot at Walmart.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Jay, is there any clarity about what will happen once they do come back to work? Do they get back pay?

That's one thing that's going to be a sticking point. People who are furloughed, if they get back, are going to end up with essentially just a nice month-long vacation at taxpayer expense. But all of the people are perfectly willing to show up for work and are being forbidden by factors way beyond their control.

 

[JayFarrar]

If they're furloughed, they won't get paid.

Their program, by the way, is self-sustaining. They generate revenue off their programs and could keep themselves open because their federal funding is a relatively small percentage of the total budget.

They also won't have health insurance and they won't accrue vacation time while furloughed. They also can't burn off vacation time for the length of the furlough to keep a check coming in.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Operation Make It Hurt rolls on.

 

[YankeeFan]

Jay, is there any clarity about what will happen once they do come back to work? Do they get back pay?

That's one thing that's going to be a sticking point. People who are furloughed, if they get back, are going to end up with essentially just a nice month-long vacation at taxpayer expense. But all of the people are perfectly willing to show up for work and are being forbidden by factors way beyond their control.

It's absolutely ridiculous that they've already agreed to pay federal employees who have been furloughed.

As usual, they take care of their own. But the folks who work for contractors, and private businesses with government contracts will get screwed.

 

[Bradley Guire]

I told my Army brother that if any federal workers were going to revolt, well, he's the one that can drive a tank while his buddies grab the guns and mustard gas.

 

[da man]

If they're furloughed, they won't get paid.

Their program, by the way, is self-sustaining. They generate revenue off their programs and could keep themselves open because their federal funding is a relatively small percentage of the total budget.

They also won't have health insurance and they won't accrue vacation time while furloughed. They also can't burn off vacation time for the length of the furlough to keep a check coming in.

Wait a minute. So this is a state program, not a federal one, and it could stay open without the federal money by using revenue it generates?

So why the furloughs? Whose decision is it to shut down, and why?

 

[JayFarrar]

My day of discontent is over.

She got word this afternoon that some common sense prevailed and no furlough is forthcoming.

The combination of program funds that can be used to cover the difference and that some of the federal money they're receiving, they'll continue to get.

Turns out their Obamacare rollout money was protected.

Now if the government stays shutdown for months, then the equation will change.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Turns out their Obamacare rollout money was protected.

What's this mean?

 

[YankeeFan]

Turns out their Obamacare rollout money was protected.

What's this mean?

Mandatory spending.

Only discretionary spending is halted, and ObamaCare is mandatory spending.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Wonder why something that people can't even sign up for is considered vital? Doesn't really make sense.

 

[old_tony]

Well, it's also titled "Affordable" while driving rates sky-high.

 

[Mark2010]

On one hand, I do feel for all the civil servant government employees like the one mentioned in the OP who are getting hurt by these things far beyond their control. Big-wig politicians can't agree on something, so the little guy gets the shaft.

But, when you think about it, the same thing happens every time there is a strike/lockout in professional sports. Who gets hurt? The stadium workers, broadcasters, ticket sales people, etc.

As for furloughs, well, no one was crying for us journalists when we are forced to take a furlough for the sake of the corporate bottom line.

 

[Shoeless Joe]

I'd like to personally thank the federal government for not shutting down the water fountains at the local National Park. I run past there every day and like being able to hydrate on the tax payers' dime.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

I was under the impression that those furloughed or impacted by the shutdown are eligible for unemployment. Is that true?

 

[JayFarrar]

I was under the impression that those furloughed or impacted by the shutdown are eligible for unemployment. Is that true?

That is correct. A friend of mine's husband is a sniper instructor for the National Guard and was furloughed. He filed for unemployment

 

[Boom_70]

I was under the impression that those furloughed or impacted by the shutdown are eligible for unemployment. Is that true?

That is correct. A friend of mine's husband is a sniper instructor for the National Guard and was furloughed. He filed for unemployment

That's good. You don't want those guys to snap.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

I was under the impression that those furloughed or impacted by the shutdown are eligible for unemployment. Is that true?

That is correct. A friend of mine's husband is a sniper instructor for the National Guard and was furloughed. He filed for unemployment

That's good. You don't want those guys to snap.

Yes, but any unemployment they receivewill probably need to be paid back if they receive pay retroactively after their furlough. Depends on what each state decides.

 

[Boom_70]

My day of discontent is over.

She got word this afternoon that some common sense prevailed and no furlough is forthcoming.

The combination of program funds that can be used to cover the difference and that some of the federal money they're receiving, they'll continue to get.

Turns out their Obamacare rollout money was protected.

Now if the government stays shutdown for months, then the equation will change.

For now. Seems like these threatened shut downs have become the norm and not the exception. Once the can is kicked down the road I think the next "crisis" is scheduled for
February.