Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Nearly 1,500 civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery were placed on furlough Tuesday, joining thousands of the state’s 10,000 federal workers affected by a budget stalemate in Congress that has shut down the federal government.
The Portland Press Herald reported that private sector employers are not worried about immediate impacts from the shutdown Tuesday but expressed concern that a prolonged closure of many federal offices could put a dent in business.
Marcia Hartt, vice president of the Portland Regional Chamber, told the paper the shutdown will stop the U.S. Small Business Administration from processing loans, a logjam that could affect a wide range of businesses if the closure extends beyond one or two weeks.
Bart Stevens, president of the Maine Association of Realtors, also said it’s too early for real estate agents to panic, but noted that residential mortgage-seekers could have difficulties getting their loans processed until the government resumes functioning normally.
The Bangor Daily News reported industries that have the federal government as a customer could face challenges in the weeks ahead if the shutdown is prolonged, but companies operating on previously approved contracts — such as defense contractors Bath Iron Works and Maine Machine Products — do not face any immediate impact from the shutdown.
In the short term, the government shutdown has closed the country’s national parks, including Acadia National Park, and affected an unknown number of federal employees who were notified whether they would continue work or begin furloughs on Tuesday. On a national scale, the Kansas City Star reported that many economic reports also will fall victim to the shutdown.
The shutdown allows for essential personnel and some other federal employees to continue work, including approximately 540 federal employees at a Defense Finance and Accounting Service office in Limestone, who were not furloughed Tuesday.
Let us know if you think Congress will find a resolution to its budget stalemate by the end of next week and share your concerns about the government shutdown in the comments of our latest poll question.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments