Revised January 22, 2018  (We keep seeing this issue, I keep re-running the same post!)

 

What actually does happen when the government “shuts down?”  Basically, items that are deemed “essential services” will still get funded.  Social Security and veteran’s payments will still get made.  The post office will remain open.  Medicare and VA health care will still run as usual.  And of course our military will still be there to protect us.

 

So where will we experience problems?  National parks will be closed to visitors.  Close to ¼ of all federal workers will be staying home.  Federal contractors could be furloughed and that could really hurt some folks here in St. Louis.  But, there could be an exception for jobs relating to national security so we’ll have to see how that plays out.

 

And what about the IRS?  Income processing positions will remain open.  That is; if you owe money, those folks are still working.  Refunds, on the other hand, could be delayed.  The information hotline would probably be closed as far as talking to humans.  But they’ve got a lot of electronic messages available.  If you can get your answers online that’s the best way to get information right now.    That’s right, it’s tax season you need help and they send home all the help desk people.  It makes about as much sense as taking a one week vacation when you’ve got something really important to do.

 

By the way, Congress is deemed to be essential so it will remain open during the government shutdown, as will the White House.  (Forgive me, I try not to be political, but if they shut the government, I think Congress shouldn’t get paid.  Only my opinion but to me it means they are not doing their job.)