The ongoing federal shutdown has left Stephanie Rogers and her family in a dire situation, with the prospect of financial instability looming over their heads. Rogers, a microbiologist with the Food and Drug Administration, has been forced to make difficult decisions to ensure the well-being of her family. As the shutdown drags on, the family's financial situation has become increasingly precarious, with Rogers dipping into her retirement savings and making sacrifices to make ends meet.
The family's living arrangement is a testament to their financial struggles. Rogers and her two young daughters have moved in with her mother, who lives about half an hour south of Denver. This decision was driven by the high cost of living and the need to reduce expenses. Rogers, who is 44 and divorced, faces the challenge of supporting her family without child support.
The uncertainty surrounding the federal shutdown and the new administration's focus on reducing government spending have added to the family's anxiety. Rogers, a chapter president with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), is concerned about the potential impact on her job security and the well-being of her family.
To cope with the financial strain, Rogers has made several adjustments. She has requested flexibility with her car payment and is reconsidering extracurricular activities for her daughters, who are 10 and 12. The family is also planning to buy only essential food, and they recently faced a setback when their freezer broke down, resulting in the loss of their meat supply.
Despite the challenges, Rogers remains committed to ensuring the survival of her family. She has applied for state unemployment, which is available to furloughed federal workers, although they must refund the money when the shutdown ends and receive any retroactive pay. However, the uncertainty surrounding backpay and the threat of mass firings have added to the family's distress.
Rogers acknowledges the essential work that federal employees, including herself, perform. She believes that the public may only appreciate the value of their work when they are absent. However, the stress and uncertainty of the federal government's situation have taken a toll on the family, with Rogers and her mother constantly worrying about the future. As a result, Rogers has started applying for other positions outside the federal government, recognizing the need for a more stable financial situation.
The federal shutdown has had a profound impact on Rogers and her family, highlighting the challenges faced by federal workers and the potential consequences of prolonged government shutdowns. The family's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the importance of finding solutions to ensure the well-being of those affected.
