As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, the financial security of Americans hangs in the balance. With roughly a quarter million federal workers furloughed, and another nearly 42 million Americans on the precipice of losing SNAP benefits on November 1, many households are facing difficult choices about what they can pay forafford. Food on the table, rent, or other bills that cover the necessities of life, including water and wastewater services.
In a time when it feels nearly impossible to influence decision-makers at the federal level, we can, and should, turn towards the leadership of local and state decision-makers to alleviate these pressing household challenges.
- In the town of Rainier, Oregon, Mayor Jerry Cole released an administrative order to waive water utility late fees and water shutoffs for furloughed federal employees until 30 days after the government shutdown ends, recognizing that they’ll be hard strapped to cover living expenses during this period.
- In Maryland, where the federal government is the largest employer in the state, WSSC Water, the largest utility in the state, took action at the beginning of October. They suspended water shutoffs for customers impacted by the shutdown, waived late fees, and extended enrollment in an assistance program.
Members of Congress have also issued statements imploring utilities to consider suspending shutoffs and late payment fees and penalties for federal workers.
But with SNAP, the largest food assistance program in the country, at risk of running dry in the near term for nearly one in eight Americans, this shutdown could soon be sharply felt by families already struggling to make ends meet.
