Analyzing local impacts of federal government shutdown

We know how the federal government shutdown — in its 24th day, as of Monday — is affecting federal employees, but how will it ultimately affect the rest of us?

“That’s hard to say,” said Josh Dunn, a political science professor at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. “I don’t think anyone really knows. It’s the longest shutdown we’ve had, so all of this is uncharted territory.”

Dunn said the shutdown could eventually affect airline travel because security checkpoint workers aren’t being paid but continue to work.

“If flights are affected, it could create more of a public outcry that could pressure the president and Congress to end the shutdown,” he said. “But Trump is sticking to his guns about wanting a border wall and so far, he still has the political support he needs. It may hurt him in the short term but I doubt it’ll have any long-term political repercussions.”

There already have been reports of some major airports curtailing operations and of an air traffic controllers school being temporarily closed.

Cyndi Storm, who was flying from Colorado Springs to Memphis, said the shutdown makes her nervous about airline travel.

“When I was at the Memphis Airport, they didn’t check my shoes,” she said. “They just waved me through. What if someone bad tried to get through? And I hear this also could affect the people who perform maintenance on planes. I think I’ll have a nice, stiff drink or two before I get on.”

The situation led to a news conference Monday at Denver International Airport featuring several elected leaders and federal employees who urged an end to the shutdown.

“We’ve already had some employees take out loans to pay bills and still not knowing when they can repay the loan,” said Jason Crow, an employee.

Officials at the Colorado Springs Airport said they will have adequate security staff during the shutdown.

The situation also could affect Colorado’s popular breweries because they are not being regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau, a federal entity.

“People who drink beer would be surprised at how much regulation is in the industry,” said Mike Bristol, owner and founder of Bristol Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. “The TTB also approves labels for new products being shipped outside of the state, and any changes in facilities or licenses.”

Bristol said the shutdown will put the agency behind in its regulatory duties.

“I don’t think they’ll be able to catch up within a day, a week or even a month,” he said.

The TTB also collects taxes from breweries.

“Tax collections certainly aren’t stopping with the shutdown,” Bristol said.

Many people were concerned about how the situation would affect the state’s Community Partnership for Child Development, commonly known as Head Start. An official said the CPCD’s federal funding for 2019 was approved last fall, and funding for the segment of the program that provides meals has been extended two months.

On Sunday, at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, volunteers gave away food to 120 federal workers and their families.

“But it wasn’t enough,” said Brady Boyd, the church’s head pastor. “We ran out. We had to go out and buy gift cards to give to others who didn’t get the food. I was surprised at the need out there.”

Boyd said the church will conduct another food distribution this Sunday, enough for 200 families.

“And we’ll continue every Sunday until the shutdown ends,” he said.