Part 7/13:
The Consequences for Workers and Local Economies
The human toll of the shutdown is immediate and severe. Around two million federal employees are affected, with many living paycheck to paycheck. Reports indicate increased requests for short-term loans, mortgage postponements, rent skips, and utility deferrals. Some are left trying to feed their families with partial paychecks, and the long-term impact could include widespread small business failures, especially in communities heavily reliant on federal workers.