Government shutdown expected to impact San Luis Obispo residents

San Luis Obispo residents could be affected by current disagreements between Republican and Democratic members of Congress, causing a government shutdown starting at 9 p.m. PDT Wednesday.

The shutdown comes as a consequence to the latest clash in Congress over a new spending bill. Members of the House were set to confirm upon a short-term funding agreement to support the government through Nov. 21, according to an article published by National Public Radio. Senate Democrats blocked the bill as part of a recent push to address expiring health care subsidies. Republicans rejected their proposal, and as of Sept. 30, there is no sign of compromise. 

According to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, there are 600 federal workers in San Luis Obispo county. Cal Poly also relies on federal funding, indicating that impacts will be felt throughout the community. The last government shutdown, which occurred in 2018-19, resulted in 300,000 federal employees being furloughed. It was the longest shutdown in U.S. history at 35 days. 

The San Luis Obispo Tribune reported during the 2018-19 shutdown, U.S. Coast Guards stationed in Morro Bay continued working without pay. They also report that San Luis Obispo government offices will remain open during a shutdown, including the one tonight. 

Major government entities such as the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Transportation will most likely be furloughed as well. Certain agencies will continue as usual, such as the Department of Education, which will continue dispersing student aid through Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans. Social Security and Medicare checks will continue to be sent out, but card issuance will cease.

This comes as the second government shutdown under the Trump administration

Past government shutdowns have varied in consequence, resulting in different government departments and agencies being affected. Government shutdowns are not uncommon, especially under Trump’s administration. During his last term, three shutdowns took place. 

There are 12 appropriations bills that must be signed by the President and passed by Congress each year. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reported that currently, “Congress has not yet enacted any of the 12 bills for FY 2026 that make up the discretionary spending budget; without those bills or a continuing resolution, the federal government must shut down,”  indicating that this shutdown is expected to be full.