Government Shut Down: What That Means To You

Today begins the government shut down, something that hasn’t happened in 17 years. I’m not heavily into politics and never claimed to be, so I thought it would be nice to simplify what’s going on for those who may not pay attention unless it directly effects them.  Continue reading to see what the shut down is all about and what is/isn’t shutting down.

What is the government shut down? It is basically when the government shuts down all but essential government services for a length of time.The last shut down (1996) lasted 21 days. This means that hundreds of thousands of government employees were without jobs AND pay for 21 days. Congress still gets paid, however.

Why did they shut down?  Because Republicans and Democrats in Congress are arguing over the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and couldn’t agree on a spending plan for the fiscal year, which begins today. House Republicans insist any new spending bill include provisions to either defund, derail or otherwise chip away at Obamacare. Senate Democrats are just as insistent that it doesn’t. The Democrats are actually right, Affordable Care Act isn’t directly tied to government spending.

What is The Affordable Care Act? Nicknamed ObamaCare, this act would require all Americans to have healthcare and any company with 50+ employees must provide healthcare. It also prevents those with pre-existing medical conditions from being denied health insurance, and proponents say those who have health insurance will no longer have to indirectly pay for those who show up in emergency rooms uninsured. Why be against it? Republicans believe it’ll hurt employers and amounts to overreach by the federal government. Some have also criticized the medical device tax that’s part of the law, saying that by imposing such a tax, it’s basically sending jobs overseas. Broken down, the republicans want to chip away at “Obamacare” to fund the government.

What’s shut down?: You won’t be able to apply for federal loans for small businesses, a house, etc. Getting a gun permit or passport will be delayed.You will not be able to visit national parks, national zoos or national museums. If you live in DC, they won’t pick up your trash either. Getting WIC? well not during the shut down.

What Isn’t Shut Down: You will receive mail and social security benefits as usual. The military will also fight as usual and you still have to pay taxes.

Dear Republicans, Affordable Healthcare isn’t a crime.