US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference discussing the cost of the government shutdown to New York State.
It’s estimated that over 70,000 federal employees in the state as well as at least 30,000 service members would be furloughed or forced to work without pay indefinitely. In addition, more than 400,000 New Yorkers reliant on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, including nearly 330,000 infants and children, would be at risk of losing critical food assistance and going hungry.
A shutdown would also create other issues including hindering or preventing the Food and Drug Administration from conducting food safety inspections, the IRS could partially shut down lengthening wait times for individuals needing assistance, and force the National Park Service to turn away visitors at national parks, monuments, and related historical sites.
