Government shutdown looms, and it would have a significant impact on Florida and our economy
News and views for Florida's Left Coast
The federal government will begin a partial shutdown in two days if a solution to the budget impasse isn’t reached. There would be significant impacts for Florida if that happens.
Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate and House are scheduled to meet at the White House today to see if the issue can be resolved. Essentially, Democrats are holding out because—as already passed by the House—a new spending bill would jeopardize health care for millions of Americans by slashing Medicare, Medicaid and subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
Democrats want those cuts reversed. And it’s a game of chicken over which party will shoulder the blame if an agreement isn’t reached.
If the government shuts down, Florida’s economy will be significantly impacted. It would disrupt federal services, furloughing thousands of workers, delaying vital funding, and harming the state’s important tourism and real estate markets.
This from internet sources:
Impact on jobs and federal funding
Layoffs and furloughs: Florida’s roughly 95,000 federal workers could face layoffs and furloughs. The immediate loss of income would hurt consumer spending and local economies even if pay were retroactively restored.
Military and Coast Guard pay: Active-duty military personnel would be required to work without pay.
Federal funding disruption: The state budget relies on approximately $36 billion in federal funds, the flow of which to the state could be interrupted.
Effects on key industries
Tourism: Florida’s tourism industry would face several disruptions, especially during the busy holiday season if the shutdown is prolonged.
Airport operations: While essential personnel like TSA agents and air traffic controllers would continue to work, they would do so without pay. The 2019 shutdown saw a spike in employee absences, leading to longer lines and checkpoint disruptions that could create ripple effects for air travel.
National Parks: National parks and monuments in Florida would be closed or see significantly reduced services.
Real Estate and Construction:
Flood insurance: A shutdown could halt the renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program, which has an expiration deadline of September 30. This could freeze real estate sales in high-risk flood zones.
Federal loans: The processing of federal loans, including FHA mortgages for homebuyers and Small Business Administration loans, could be slowed or stopped.
Impact on public services and benefits
Health and Social Services: While some major programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid would continue, administrative functions and customer service could be significantly delayed. Critical programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could also see an immediate halt in funding.
Food and Drug Safety: FDA food safety activities and inspections could be reduced, creating public health risks.
Veterans’ services: The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue healthcare and benefits payments, but call centers and public contact services may be unavailable.
Other services: Delays are possible for services that rely on federal funding, such as disaster relief funds and permitting for industries like shellfish farming.
Related stories:
Schumer warns of a shutdown if Republicans don’t accept Democrats’ health care demands
Trump’s vast federal cuts create distrust on Capitol Hill
What do you think? Share your views by clicking on the COMMENTS link at the end of this newsletter. Thanks!
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Today is …
Sept. 29. Confucius Day, honoring the great Chinese teacher. My favorite of his many wise and ageless sayings:
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Which, since Batman Day was last week, this saying is timely. Recall the scene in the movie Batman Begins when a young Bruce Wayne falls into a well full of bats, and his dad comforts him with:
Why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.
Quote of the day
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on today’s meeting at the White House on the budget impasse:
“We need a serious negotiation. Now, if the president at this meeting is going to rant and just yell at Democrats, and talk about all his alleged grievances, and say this, that and the other thing, we won’t get anything done, but my hope is it’ll be a serious negotiation.”
Florida factual
The two largest groups of federal employees in Florida work at the Department of Veterans Affairs (37,468) and the Department of Defense (33,163).
More online
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J.C. Bruce, journalist and author, is the founder of Tropic Press. He holds dual citizenship in the United States of America and his native Florida. When he’s not blogging, he’s in training for the Florida Man Underwater Ping Pong Championships. Forward this email to your friends. They will love you for it.
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It is impossible to have a "serious negotiation" about anything with that Orange Stain in the White House, and Schumer is a fool to say such nonsense. If he had whatever euphemism one prefers denoting strength and grit, Schumer would shut #47 down the minute he begins to whine about his "grievances."
The only one I've seen who could--and would--bitch-slap Trump is Rep. Crockett.
Dems should stick to their guns. Remember it was the "Big Effing Beautiful Bill" passed by the Trumplicans that got us into this mess. I think some of them need to come to their senses! GG