A single mother, Stephanie Rogers, who works as a microbiologist for the Food and Drug Administration, is among the 750,000 federal employees affected by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. As Congress remains deadlocked over passing a spending bill to continue funding the government, Rogers, who is a mother of two daughters, has been left feeling anxious and unable to sleep. The shutdown, which started on October 1st, has brought uncertainty and financial strain to Rogers and her family in Littleton, Colo.
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Rogers shared her concerns with PEOPLE, revealing how her children have been impacted by the situation. Despite her efforts to shield them from the gravity of the shutdown, her daughters are aware of the stress their mother is under. She described the situation as a “mixed bag” as she navigates the challenges of the shutdown while trying to remain strong for her family. The impasse in Congress, caused by disagreements over federal funding allocation, has left many government workers like Rogers in limbo.
As an FDA employee for 16 years, Rogers had been aware of the possibility of a shutdown and the preparations made by the agency. However, the reality of facing potential layoffs rather than temporary furloughs has added to her distress. With the shutdown threatening her job security, Rogers has taken proactive measures like applying for unemployment benefits, dipping into her retirement savings, and actively seeking alternative employment opportunities to make ends meet.
Despite provisions in the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act ensuring back pay for furloughed federal workers once the shutdown ends, Rogers remains wary of the uncertainties. The financial strain has forced her to carefully budget the funds she withdrew from her reserves to cover essential expenses for her family. The toll of the shutdown is not only financial but also emotional, with Rogers highlighting the impact on her daughters’ well-being, including sleep deprivation and behavioural changes.
Looking ahead, Rogers remains hopeful for a resolution to the shutdown, yet critical of the apparent lack of advocacy and support from the government towards its citizens. She emphasised the need for unity and prioritising essential services for the American public during this challenging time. As she continues to monitor the news for updates on the shutdown, Rogers remains resilient in her pursuit of stability for her family amidst the ongoing uncertainty.
As the shutdown persists, stories like Stephanie Rogers’ shed light on the real-life consequences faced by thousands of federal workers and their families during this period of political gridlock. The impact extends beyond financial concerns, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals like Rogers and underscoring the urgent need for swift resolution and support for those affected by the government shutdown.