The Federal government
shutdown will affect millions of workers, military personnel, our Veterans, the
disabled and so many more, including our women and children. Until
Congress comes to an agreement of sorts, all "non-essential" workers
and non-essential funding will cease. How then are women directly
affected, aside from the obvious employed by our government?
For one, women who rely
on federally funded programs such as WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, who
are responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of 53 percent of all infants
in the US, will have to do without. Another
is TANF, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, who is often times the only
lifeline for single moms and women everywhere. Let’s not forget, those women
who are attending college and rely on Federal
Loans and Pell Grants to continue their education may see delays due to
financial aid officer’s mandatory temporary layoffs.
These
are just a few of the many ways this government shutdown will directly or indirectly
affect those who need it the most. Congress with all due respect… Do Your Job! After all, you are still getting paid for it!
