Sugar Beet staff reporter
On October 1, the US government entered a shutdown. This went through all of October and has continued into the start of November. This is now officially the longest government shut down in US history, surpassing the former record of 35 days.
“A government shutdown often looks like a stalemate in history, where we want to wait to see who’s going to compromise or if someone will budge. We are now at the longest shutdown in history, and at the moment there is no end in sight,” Becca Burnfin, history teacher, said.
Exactly what causes a government to go into shutdown can be confusing; however the issue stems from money and how the government wishes to spend it.
“In the legislature they have to agree upon a budget. Both sides, the house and senate, have to be able to come to some sort of compromise. In this case it kind of comes down to a single case of Medicare and how much money the federal government is going to put into that. The parties are having large disagreements and so when they cannot agree on a budget there is no spending that can happen,” Burnfin said.
As there is no Federal budget, there is no money that can be spent. This halts all government processes, with the exception of a few deemed as essential. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) are not one of those essential processes. This is an effect of the shutdown which is having an impact on communities at the local level.
“Families in our community receive SNAP benefits. These are supplementary funding for food, typically for families living below the poverty line. Because when the government shuts down funding freezes, that means people will no longer receive that funding,” Burnfin said.
As these families are no longer receiving vital supplements for food, individual communities have had to step up in large ways.
“Churches, local organizations and food banks have been able to provide aid. Our community has come together to create lists of places people are allowed to go, but this should only be temporary and it is putting a strain on the system,” Burnfin said.
Despite these strains, people have been encouraged to seek out help if it is needed.
“Emmaus house and several churches in the area have food boxes. People are able to go to the churches if they’re having trouble paying bills or need food,” Jennifer Meng, Counselor, said.
The impacts of SNAP have begun to trickle into the schools.
“We see the impacts in the classrooms here. We see kids who are hungry, tired, and who have been working so their parents can put more food on the table. That’s unfortunate because students should be here to learn and they shouldn’t have to, in this great nation, worry about if they have something to eat over the weekend,” Burnfin said.
Admin in the school encourage students or families to reach out if they need assistance.
“Anytime someone is in need, everyone just jumps in. The school community always tries to help with anything we become aware of,” Meng said.
SNAP benefits are something that not just anyone receives. Proof of need is a large factor in receiving benefits.
“They have to put paperwork, identification and paystubs in. This isn’t just a handout, it’s something they have to apply for,” Burnfin said.
Due to the necessity of SNAP and the length that the government has been shut down for, some believe that despite the lack of budget SNAP should continue to provide aid.
“A judge has told the current administration that they have to pay the funding even during the government shutdown. He then made a second judgement that it needs to be done immediately,” Burnfin said.
Despite this judgement, as of print submission date, the current presidential administration has requested states not proceed with this judge’s mandate. The order is in limbo in various courts as the administration has appealed it. In the meantime, as the government shutdown continues in its now record length, those who need assistance have been encouraged to seek help in their communities.
“People just have to ask, I want students to know that we can try to help them,” Meng said, “We would do everything we could to try and help anyone.”
