How the Government Shutdown Affects YOU
Recently, the media has been filled with reports of the longest government shutdown ever to face America. Federal employees have been furloughed and over 800,000 are missing at least one paycheck (more dependent on how long this shutdown goes on). But how does it affect students at Overlake?
- Homework
As every student in AP Government knows, this shutdown is “cramping Kevin’s style”. Many classes that typically rely on government-funded websites are being forced to turn to other sources to get their work done.
2. National Parks
Washington State has 15 National Parks, the closest of which is 19.1 miles from Overlake. During the government shutdown, Overlake’s avid hikers will either be faced with closed national parks or parks unmaintained by park rangers.
3. Airports and College Visits
To every Senior (or excited Junior) that wants to visit colleges during the government shutdown, prepare for a lengthy wait. TSA agents have been calling in sick to their jobs in record numbers in order to protest their work without pay. Airports have had lines over 90 minutes long and the backup is leading to thoroughly unpleasant travel. Not only is it a hassle to make it to the gate, but the shutdown has also furloughed 18,000 FAA workers. This means that “a layer of safety is missing,” said Mike Perrone, the national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (NYTimes)
