Transcript:
Kayleigh Chaulk: On November 10th, the U.S Senate passed a long awaited bill to end the government shutdown and at the moment it is in the hands of the House of Representatives. But what truly is a government shutdown, and how was it affecting the American people?
Addison Psota: A government shutdown is the temporary suspension of non-essential government operations due to a failure by Congress to pass legislation to fund federal agencies. This shutdown was 35 days long, tied with the longest in American history.
Chaulk: There were many effects of this full government shutdown that caused turmoil and distress both nationally and locally.
Psota: Some of the main effects of the shutdown include delays in Medicare and Medicaid benefits, many government employees working without pay, which in turn caused canceled flights due to the lack of TSA workers, and a halt in federal loans to small businesses.
Chaulk: One of the most notable effects it seems was the revocation of SNAP benefits, a United States federal government program that provides food purchasing assistance for low-income or no-income persons. SNAP reduces food insecurity, improves health outcomes, and stimulates local economies. Without it, many individuals faced significant challenges including hunger and food insecurity.
Psota: This change affected people not only on the national level, but from the city of Lincoln as well. Even with the ending of this shutdown, some benefits remain delayed in Nebraska.
Chaulk: In this time of need, many people of the Lincoln community took it upon themselves to aid those who are lacking the benefits they need.
(Mr. Anders Petersen interview)
Chaulk: The LSW food market happens the last Tuesday of every month after school from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM in the theatre hallway, and it is just one of the many ways that Southwest provides food to those who need it.
Psota: Additionally, students and citizens also hold an important role in helping those who had reduced or revoked SNAP benefits. The annual FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Food Blitz included students from LPS high schools collecting donations from grocery store shoppers. Donations included canned foods, soups, snacks, and ready to eat meals. Among those was Lincoln Southwest’s FBLA chapter, who brought in the most amount of donations.
(Harnoor Sidhu interview)
Chaulk: All in all, the government shutdown caused a lot of change in communities, but Lincoln came together to support those who needed it the most.
Psota: This is Addi, and Kayleigh, signing off.
