by Grace Yi
What exactly is a government shutdown? For starters, there are two types: partial and full shutdown. For those who are perplexed as to what type of shutdown our government is currently in, it is a partial shutdown. In both types of government shutdown, Congress “argues” where funding should go. During a partial government shutdown “non-essential” personnel will not be paid and must take time off, while “essential "personnel will continue working without pay. This will continue until Congress can sign and pass new funding legislation.
How are we affected? Being an American citizen, you may be concerned with what effects the government shutdown will have upon your life, either directly or indirectly. To name a few, during a partial government shutdown, new Social Security and Medicare applicants will be rejected, National Parks may be closed due to furlough (a temporary release of personnel) of “non-essential” personnel, schools themselves will not be closed; however, individuals depending on student loans, or grants, may be unable to access funds. Grant programs can be brought to a halt, as well as the functionality of the IRS, who are in charge of issuing Social Security numbers and tax refunds.
When can we expect a resolution? No one can say for sure when a resolution will be presented. Everything is up in the air until Congress can agree upon the new funding legislation for the new fiscal year.