URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. government shutdown enters its fourth day, leaving thousands of federal workers in turmoil. Today, October 7, 2023, East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon met with Bay Area employees affected by the shutdown in Oakland, California, emphasizing the immediate impact on local families.
During a roundtable discussion with federal employees and local union representatives, Simon highlighted the dire situation facing workers. “What is the point of the government?” asked Adin Vaewsorn, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. “Is it to help people and provide basic services, or to make sure millionaires get richer?”
The roundtable included TSA employees from the Oakland International Airport, who are legally required to work without pay during the shutdown. Michael Reisler, a TSA employee, stressed the importance of keeping the airport operational: “We have trained screeners that are coming in during the shutdown. It’s crucial for the economy of this area.”
With 78,000 federal workers in the Bay Area, the impact is significant. Alameda County alone has 10,400 federal workers, including TSA personnel. “A lot of our TSOs live paycheck to paycheck,” explained Gilbert Galam of the American Federation of Government Employees. “They have childcare issues and must show up at 3 AM for work.”
Simon stated that her visit was critical for understanding the struggles of the working families she represents. “This fight isn’t a political boxing match,” she declared, insisting that healthcare should be a priority in budget negotiations. “The small business economy relies on Medicaid and Medicare.”
Despite the Republican control in Congress, the Senate lacks the necessary 60 votes to pass a spending bill, granting opposition Democrats leverage. Zach Goldman, Political Director of SEIU 1021, made a passionate plea: “Democrats must support a spending bill that protects healthcare. Period.”
The political blame game escalated earlier this week, with the White House accusing Democrats of holding the American people “hostage” over healthcare issues for undocumented immigrants.
Simon is set to return to Washington D.C. on Monday, where budget discussions will continue. “We are following the direction of low-income and working-class people to say that our healthcare is not an option; it’s the floor,” she affirmed.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Families are facing financial uncertainty, and the future of many workers hangs in the balance as the shutdown continues. As discussions progress, Simon’s commitment to advocating for her constituents remains strong.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as this story develops.
