The federal government shutdown that began this week is poised to impact hundreds of thousands of Americans, from federal workers facing furloughs to hikers wondering if they can still visit their favorite national parks this weekend.
How have you been impacted by the federal shutdown? Do you have a burning question on what it means for your community? The Desert Sun wants to hear from you.
The shutdown, the country’s first in nearly seven years, began Wednesday, Oct. 1, with Democrats demanding that Republicans walk back Medicaid cuts made in Trump’s signature tax and spending bill earlier this year and extend certain Affordable Care Act subsidies.
In response, President Donald Trump has threatened to conduct mass layoffs of federal workers. With the two parties blaming each other for the impasse, there’s no clear timeline for when the shutdown might end.
Meanwhile, roughly 750,000 federal employees are expected to be furloughed, while “essential” employees such as airport security personnel will have to work without pay during the shutdown. (Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare payments will continue.)
Shutdown impacts: Tell us your story
The Desert Sun wants to hear from people directly impacted by the shutdown, whether you’re a federal worker being furloughed, a veteran navigating call center delays or a traveler worrying about your flight status for tomorrow.
Plus, if you’ve got questions on how the shutdown will impact your community, submit them to The Desert Sun, and we’ll try to get you clear answers.
Contact our newsroom at eric.hartley@desertsun.com to share your stories and submit your questions, with either “Shutdown question” or “Shutdown comment” in the subject line. (We may not be able to respond to every email.) Please include a daytime phone number in case a reporter wants to interview you.
Tom Coulter is a reporter for The Desert Sun. Reach him at tcoulter@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Are you affected by the government shutdown? Have a question? Let us know
Reporting by Tom Coulter, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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