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The federal government shutdown in the US has meant many federal workers, including those at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, have gone without pay, with some still required to work. The president of the local union, AFGE Local 1592, has described the situation as “frustrating”. However, ahead of the shutdown, other local state organizations, such as Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality, sought and secured further funding to allow them to continue operations.
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Many federal employees, including those at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah, are facing uncertainty due to the potential government shutdown which could result in missed paychecks, according to Troy Tingey, the previous president of AFGE Local 1592, a union representing workers at the base.
Tingey highlighted the frustrating situation for many employees who are unsure of whether they’ll receive a paycheck, and those who are still required to work despite the furlough. He said the impact is not just localized but is felt across federal buildings nationwide. “We’ve had a significant loss of experienced, long-term workers,” Tingey revealed.
The shutdown could also have wider effects on communities as funding begins to run out. An official from the Ogden IRS stated that the agency only has funding for five more business days under the Inflation Reduction Act, which will last until the following Tuesday.
Tingey recalled the similar situation in 2018 that lasted 35 days, expressing hope that the current situation won’t last nearly as long.
Despite the challenging circumstances, some agencies have managed to secure funding through strategic partnerships. Tim Davis, the executive director at the Department of Environmental Quality, stated that they enforce 90% of federal environmental laws in Utah through what is known as “cooperative federalism”.
Davis revealed that the department had managed to secure a partnership performance grant by coordinating with EPA Region 8 officials in Denver. This resulted in an additional million dollars of funding, which will allow the department to maintain full staffing levels and continue to protect air and water quality across the state.
Similarly, Utah’s Office of Tourism announced strategic support to keep the state’s ‘Mighty Five’ national parks open. Davis emphasized the importance of such partnerships, especially in times of crisis.
“The ability to act quickly and solve problems is crucial when dealing with situations like this,” said Davis.
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