The deal struck late on Saturday, and signed by President Biden, is only a temporary funding bill that will fund the federal government through Nov. 17. That means we’ll have the same exact fight again next month, with these potential ramifications if a long-term deal isn’t made: -
Tens of thousands of federal employees, active duty military, and civilian defense personnel in Connecticut would stop getting paid.
- The 47,000 Connecticut residents who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) for food assistance would lose benefits.
- Head Start, the federally funded early learning and education program for our youngest residents,
could close down if the shutdown lasts beyond a week or so.
- The quality of local drinking water could decline, as routine inspections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
could decrease or stop altogether.
- Farmers in Connecticut, many who operate small farms, could lose access to federally backed farm loans.
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Federal discretionary grants administered to local governments by federal agencies would be unavailable for reimbursement, creating a financial strain and potential closures at the local level.
More broadly, as federal funding for public services dries up, local and state governments have to step in with supplemental funding. Our communities ultimately bear the cost of a shutdown on the broader economy.
Why aren’t we confident that these serious consequences can be averted next month? Because MAGA Republicans want a government shutdown. They’ve already ousted their own leader, Kevin McCarthy, for simply brokering a bi-partisan temporary deal.
Please give what you can today to keep all of Connecticut’s House districts blue and help Democrats win back the U.S. House next year. It’s the only way we can keep government open and working for all of us. Sincerely, Your CT Dems |
