Mississippians to be affected by government shutdown

(WCBI) – In Washington, politicians are preparing for a government shutdown.

But in Mississippi, thousands of federal workers will be affected.

The shutdown could also affect people waiting to hear about federal housing loans.

Mississippians will still be able to get their Social Security and Medicare benefits and food stamps.

However, people expecting VA benefits, unemployment benefits, and farm subsidies may experience delays.

There are more than 25,000 people who work for the federal government in Mississippi. Some, like park rangers on the Natchez Trace, be required to work even though they won’t see a paycheck.

Others will be furloughed – basically at home, until the partial shutdown ends.

Again, without pay.

There are nearly 18,000 federal civilian workers in Mississippi. This includes Columbus Air Force Base employees, air traffic controllers and TSA. The rest are active duty military who work with all branches of service.

In Alabama, a lack of government funding could affect more than 53,000 people including 38,000 civilians.

The shutdown could come shortly after midnight if the Senate and the House don’t agree on a funding bill.