Here’s How Much Government Shutdown Affects Connecticut

The partial federal government shutdown has lasted nearly two weeks and could extend even longer if House Democrats and President Donald Trump continue digging in their heels over funding for a border wall with Mexico. But the shutdown doesn’t affect every state equally. Some, for instance, have more residents receiving food stamps, while others have a large share of federal workers.

Connecticut ranked as the 30th most affected state, sandwiched between Utah and Colorado, according to a report published Thursday by WalletHub. Washington, D.C. unsurprisingly topped the list. The nation’s capital has the highest number of families receiving SNAP benefits, the authors noted, and it tied for first in highest federal contract dollars per capita and highest share of federal jobs.

The WalletHub researchers compared states based on five measurements, with the highest weight belonging to share of federal jobs and percent of families receiving food stamps.

Federal workers deemed essential such as air traffic controllers are still mandated to work and will eventually receive back pay, but in the meantime they must make do without a paycheck. Non-essential federal employees are furloughed until the shutdown is over. In the past they have traditionally gotten back pay, but it isn't a guarantee.

The Connecticut Mirror reports that there are about 1,500 federal employees living in Connecticut that are impacted by the shutdown. Some are working without pay as they have been deemed 'essential,' while others are at home waiting for the shutdown to end.

The CT Mirror also says folks seeking passports or to renew them or who are applying for loans for small businesses and or to purchase homes may have to wait until the government returns to normal.

The IRS won't issue refunds during the shutdown and won't answer taxpayer questions, which could be problematic as tax laws will change significantly for many filers, especially those who typically itemize their returns, according to USA Today. Taxes will still be due April 15.

Democratic U.S. Rep. John Larson said government workers shouldn't be political pawns.

“The House, now led by Democrats has approved legislation that re-opens the government and gives the Senate and the President a path forward that includes a serious debate on border security," he said. "However, a border wall is not an efficient or effective way to secure our border, experts across the country have said this time and time again."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said all of his pay will go to Homes For the Brave to benefit Connecticut veterans until the shutdown is over.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy called the border wall a 5th century solution that would be a waste of taxpayer money, according to the Hartford Courant.

Here are the 10 states most affected by the shutdown, according to WalletHub:

1. Washington, D.C.
2. New Mexico
3. Maryland
4. Hawaii
5. Alaska
6. Virginia
7. West Virginia
8. Mississippi
9. Alabama
10. Arizona

Minnesota ranked as the state least affected by the shutdown, followed by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana.

The longest shutdown in American history was 21 days during Bill Clinton’s presidency. That impasse began in December 1995 and lasted into January 1996. When the government shuts down, some federal workers perform their duties but don’t receive a paycheck. Others receive furlough, essentially meaning a leave of absence.

Tens of thousands of workers in the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Prisons, Customs and Border Protection, Coast Guard and Secret Service are among those working for free at the moment, according to The New York Times. Most IRS operations have been halted and many national parks are closed.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

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