Gov’t Shutdown (FEB 1st likely)
Funding runs out again JAN 31st. ICE funding is on the line, and ACA subsidies are stalled in the Senate, so we need another shutdown. SNAP won’t be on the table this time thanks to some savvy negotiation by the Dems, but it’ll still hit the economy hard, and government offices will close or be on thin staff. From taxes to Medicare issues, do what you can now and prepare for economic wartime.
What we do:
Put your oxygen mask on so you can keep up the fight!
When Democrats accepted a short extension through the holidays, they funded SNAP through fall, just before the midterms. At the time there was speculation that they were retreating to fight from more solid footing in February. Whether that was their intention or not, the shutdown should happen. The House has cracked enough to pass through ACA extensions, but it’s stalled in the Senate. ICE is out of control…and their funding stops in a shutdown. Prepare for — and demand — a shutdown. It’s the primary power the minority party has, so call Congress and tell them you support a shutdown.
Spend the last two weeks of January preparing.
If you are a federal employee, do what you can to save money. Cash out accrued time off, if that’s an option. Take home anything you wouldn’t want to be locked away from if your office closes, from plants to personal email on your work address. Familiarize yourself with local food banks and resources, and use them from day1. Don’t assume the shutdown will end within a period of time.
Everyone should take care of federal business now. If you need to contact a federal agency for any reason, do it now: social security changes, retirement benefits, Medicare billing issues, IRS questions…if it touches a federal worker, do it before offices are furloughed or closed.
If you have the means, ramp up mutual aid efforts now. Volunteer to help people get ready. Ramp up mutual aid. Donate to food banks. Whatever you considered doing last November, do it now.
