Federal shutdown has huge impact on Fairfax County
As the federal government shutdown continues into the fourth day with no end in sight, the
cost to the local economy is huge and growing.
cost to the local economy is huge and growing.
According to
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, “non-essential”
federal employees who live in Fairfax County who are forced to take unpaid
leave are losing a total of over $1.6 million a day in lost salaries.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, “non-essential”
federal employees who live in Fairfax County who are forced to take unpaid
leave are losing a total of over $1.6 million a day in lost salaries.
Federal workers who
have been furloughed could be eligible for unemployment benefits. More
information is available from the Virginia Employment Commission. Meanwhile, Rep. Jim
Moran introduced legislation calling for furloughed employees to receive
retroactive back pay.
In addition to the personal losses to thousands of local
residents and the suspension of federal programs, including many that serve the
needy, the domino effect from the shutdown could have devastating longer-term
implications for the county budget, due to reduced tax receipts.
residents and the suspension of federal programs, including many that serve the
needy, the domino effect from the shutdown could have devastating longer-term
implications for the county budget, due to reduced tax receipts.
According to WTOP, Fairfax County, Va., has 4,100
contractors that bring in about $26 billion per year. Many
federal contracts have been put on hold until the shutdown ends, and smaller
businesses that depend on spending by federal workers, contractors, and
tourists are seeing a loss in income, too.
contractors that bring in about $26 billion per year. Many
federal contracts have been put on hold until the shutdown ends, and smaller
businesses that depend on spending by federal workers, contractors, and
tourists are seeing a loss in income, too.
Bulova released a partial list of the federal programs that provide
assistance to Fairfax County residents that will or could be adversely affected
by the shutdown: the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program; Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance (food stamps); energy assistance grants; child care
assistance; substance abuse and mental health services; public housing
subsidies; and for housing assistance for veterans.
UPDATE: The Virginia health commissioner announced Oct. 5 that WIC offices are open and providing services.
assistance to Fairfax County residents that will or could be adversely affected
by the shutdown: the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program; Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance (food stamps); energy assistance grants; child care
assistance; substance abuse and mental health services; public housing
subsidies; and for housing assistance for veterans.
UPDATE: The Virginia health commissioner announced Oct. 5 that WIC offices are open and providing services.
