A Tennessee Tech Political Science Professor said the government shutdown will likely begin to impact more Americans day-to-day lives as it enters its second month.
Professor Michael Gunter said many temporary measures have been used to combat funding issues in the federal government since the shutdown began. That has kept everyday Americans living their lives, Gunter said, normally.
“Right now, I don’t know that that many people have fully experienced it yet,” Gunter said “But if it continues, now we are beginning the first full month of the shutdown on November first, and more and more people are going to experience it.”
Gunter said the 30-day shutdown has continued due to disagreements between Republican and Democratic Congress members concerning the federal budget.
SNAP benefits could end Saturday, though a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to continue benefits Friday afternoon. Gunter said many in the Upper Cumberland area rely on SNAP. Gunter said those who rely on SNAP and other government benefits will feel the effects of the shutdown in the upcoming month.
Gunter said people with enough money to care for themselves will see the effects of the shutdown, as food poverty could affect friends and neighbors. Gunter said there will be an increased need for food banks, church groups and charitable organizations to help serve communities that rely on government food assistance.
Gunter said state and local governments face pressure to step into areas shut down by the federal government to help their constituents. Gunter said he is hopeful this will result in local governments being better appreciated for their work.
“What we need, obviously, is a compromise, not a total victory for either side,” Gunter said. “We depend on the government. And I think even people who don’t like big government realize that government serves a positive function. And when a government is not operating, we are going to all feel the hurt.”
Gunter said he does not see an end to the shutdown. Gunter encourages others to reach out to Congress members, voicing concerns about the effects of the shutdown”
“Hopefully we will have a sudden end to this when constituents begin to put pressure on their members of Congress to come to an agreement here,” Gunter said.
Gunter said federal employees are required to go to work without pay during the shutdown, such as air traffic controllers.
