Government shutdown thread - 25th annual edition

[Bernadine]

Something went out to supervisors today, just reminding them of the resources that are available I case of a shutdown.

I’m surprised OPM hasn’t started their meetings with managers at each agency. I’ve been on them in the past, and I thought they started earlier.

[al dente]

Sept 25, 2023 8:13:12 GMT -5 @villainv said:

So apparently if there’s a shutdown then the military won’t get paid this year (unlike past years)? On one hand I’m silently freaking out because our savings is run down right now and we will struggle to float several missed paychecks without serious depletion of funds….and on the other hand I feel bad complaining because a) several of you face this every year, and b) I have staff members who make significantly less than I do and live more or less paycheck to paycheck, and I feel so bad for them.

The Rs seem to have turned on the military thanks to Trump, so I don’t have much faith that we’ll get the usually sympathy anymore.

I thought if you banked with Navy Fed or USAA they front it so you still receive money?

I'm a fed contractor and haven't heard anything from work. I tried looking stuff up when last at work and just got into a link clicking loop where nothing answered the question about contractors. I'm actually going to email HR right now!

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2023 18:17:09 GMT -5 al dente said:

Sept 25, 2023 8:13:12 GMT -5 @villainv said:

So apparently if there’s a shutdown then the military won’t get paid this year (unlike past years)? On one hand I’m silently freaking out because our savings is run down right now and we will struggle to float several missed paychecks without serious depletion of funds….and on the other hand I feel bad complaining because a) several of you face this every year, and b) I have staff members who make significantly less than I do and live more or less paycheck to paycheck, and I feel so bad for them.

The Rs seem to have turned on the military thanks to Trump, so I don’t have much faith that we’ll get the usually sympathy anymore.

I thought if you banked with Navy Fed or USAA they front it so you still receive money?

I'm a fed contractor and haven't heard anything from work. I tried looking stuff up when last at work and just got into a link clicking loop where nothing answered the question about contractors. I'm actually going to email HR right now!

I’m expecting to still get my regular paycheck on the 1st (well, the 30th because I bank with USAA) because we’re paid in arrears for the second half of September, and that’s last year’s money. But if Congress doesn’t get their act together by Oct 14, then I won’t get paid for the first half of October, etc.

So far I haven’t seen any messaging from USAA indicating that they are offering any assistance, which is unusual for them.

ETA: I just googled and USAA is offering a one-time interest-free loan essentially equal to one missed paycheck (up to $6k). This seems….not very helpful, especially if this goes on a long time.

[al dente]

Sept 26, 2023 19:27:17 GMT -5 @villainv said:

I’m expecting to still get my regular paycheck on the 1st (well, the 30th because I bank with USAA) because we’re paid in arrears for the second half of September, and that’s last year’s money. But if Congress doesn’t get their act together by Oct 14, then I won’t get paid for the first half of October, etc.

So far I haven’t seen any messaging from USAA indicating that they are offering any assistance, which is unusual for them.

ETA: I just googled and USAA is offering a one-time interest-free loan essentially equal to one missed paycheck (up to $6k). This seems….not very helpful, especially if this goes on a long time.

Oh ya thats not great lol esp if you're in a HCOL area. I just looked and Navy Fed is offering paycheck assistance for the duration of the shut down, but you do have to enroll 3 days prior to payday in order to receive it for that pay check.
But ya I know so many people that live paycheck to paycheck, and idk where you are but COLA has gone down significantly here which has really been affecting people.

[chchchia]

Sept 26, 2023 15:21:42 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Something went out to supervisors today, just reminding them of the resources that are available I case of a shutdown.

I’m surprised OPM hasn’t started their meetings with managers at each agency. I’ve been on them in the past, and I thought they started earlier.

Yup!  We got a letter for the supes today too and one for leave as well.

[ssmjlm]

Sept 26, 2023 18:17:09 GMT -5 al dente said:

Sept 25, 2023 8:13:12 GMT -5 @villainv said:

So apparently if there’s a shutdown then the military won’t get paid this year (unlike past years)? On one hand I’m silently freaking out because our savings is run down right now and we will struggle to float several missed paychecks without serious depletion of funds….and on the other hand I feel bad complaining because a) several of you face this every year, and b) I have staff members who make significantly less than I do and live more or less paycheck to paycheck, and I feel so bad for them.

The Rs seem to have turned on the military thanks to Trump, so I don’t have much faith that we’ll get the usually sympathy anymore.

I thought if you banked with Navy Fed or USAA they front it so you still receive money?

I'm a fed contractor and haven't heard anything from work. I tried looking stuff up when last at work and just got into a link clicking loop where nothing answered the question about contractors. I'm actually going to email HR right now!

Contractors are based on the funding state of their contract.

My org fully funds pretty much everything, which means contractors are still expected to work. Which also means someone from the govt has to be there for surveillance. Which means those people are now essential. Except no one wants to make them essential and doesn't see why just anyone can be available, except you have to be trained and appointed.

[rubytue]

I am finding it so weird the number of people I work with, long term gov employees, that are confident it won’t happen. Things like “I can’t see someone shutting down the govt to save their job” and “when the news is this bleak, they always come in at the last minute because everyone wants to be the hero that saved everything.”

But, the MTGs around are not playing with a full deck, and see the hero option as burning it down.

I’m not placing a bet either way. But, I am being practical and preparing. Also, being realistic about things like my meetings next week.

[candreco]

Our front office is actually putting together contact lists w/ personal phone/email today, which makes me think they got pushback on putting everyone on the excepted list. Which, fine, I'm so frustrated with my job right now that I barely want to do it at all, let alone if they're not even going to pay me on time.

I think best case at this point is a short lapse on Sunday and they get something together before most people would report on Monday morning. But it seems like a reach to get the House onboard with anything short term right now, I think effing McCarthy and these right wing nutjobs are going to dig in on the long term bills and it'll take weeks to get anything that will pass in the Senate too.

[chchchia]

Sept 27, 2023 8:01:44 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I am finding it so weird the number of people I work with, long term gov employees, that are confident it won’t happen. Things like “I can’t see someone shutting down the govt to save their job” and “when the news is this bleak, they always come in at the last minute because everyone wants to be the hero that saved everything.”

But, the MTGs around are not playing with a full deck, and see the hero option as burning it down.

I’m not placing a bet either way. But, I am being practical and preparing. Also, being realistic about things like my meetings next week.

Okay so I WAS one of those long term government employees that felt this way and I can tell you why, they do this to us every single year and the last time it actually happened was around 2014 (and that was one day a pay period and I'm only speaking for DoD, not the other fed agencies.)  They threaten it every single year, sometimes more than once a year and it's either stress yourself into oblivion or hold onto the belief that someone will come in (as per usual) and "save the day". I have officially started to get worried and that worry became real on Monday but there is still a part of me that thinks someone will come in and be the hero bc thinking of the alternative is too much. 
I have been a GS since 08 and before that AD military from 95-08. 

[Deleted]

Sept 27, 2023 9:17:28 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Sept 27, 2023 8:01:44 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I am finding it so weird the number of people I work with, long term gov employees, that are confident it won’t happen. Things like “I can’t see someone shutting down the govt to save their job” and “when the news is this bleak, they always come in at the last minute because everyone wants to be the hero that saved everything.”

But, the MTGs around are not playing with a full deck, and see the hero option as burning it down.

I’m not placing a bet either way. But, I am being practical and preparing. Also, being realistic about things like my meetings next week.

Okay so I WAS one of those long term government employees that felt this way and I can tell you why, they do this to us every single year and the last time it actually happened was around 2014 (and that was one day a pay period and I'm only speaking for DoD, not the other fed agencies.)  They threaten it every single year, sometimes more than once a year and it's either stress yourself into oblivion or hold onto the belief that someone will come in (as per usual) and "save the day". I have officially started to get worried and that worry became real on Monday but there is still a part of me that thinks someone will come in and be the hero bc thinking of the alternative is too much. 
I have been a GS since 08 and before that AD military from 95-08. 

This year feels very different. There are several politicians who seem intent on burning shit down just for attention, and many of them have dug in for MONTHS (Tuberville) despite causing real harm to our country. They don’t want to be heroes.

I hope I’m wrong and that they figure something out. But…this year is not like every other year.

[rubytue]

Sept 27, 2023 9:17:28 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Sept 27, 2023 8:01:44 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I am finding it so weird the number of people I work with, long term gov employees, that are confident it won’t happen. Things like “I can’t see someone shutting down the govt to save their job” and “when the news is this bleak, they always come in at the last minute because everyone wants to be the hero that saved everything.”

But, the MTGs around are not playing with a full deck, and see the hero option as burning it down.

I’m not placing a bet either way. But, I am being practical and preparing. Also, being realistic about things like my meetings next week.

Okay so I WAS one of those long term government employees that felt this way and I can tell you why, they do this to us every single year and the last time it actually happened was around 2014 (and that was one day a pay period and I'm only speaking for DoD, not the other fed agencies.)  They threaten it every single year, sometimes more than once a year and it's either stress yourself into oblivion or hold onto the belief that someone will come in (as per usual) and "save the day". I have officially started to get worried and that worry became real on Monday but there is still a part of me that thinks someone will come in and be the hero bc thinking of the alternative is too much. 
I have been a GS since 08 and before that AD military from 95-08. 

Yeah… I’ve been a fed since 2001. And the first few years of this, I panicked when they wouldn’t pass a budget. Clearly now, I’m just like same shit, different year. And I lived through 2013, and 2018/2019. I agree this feels different. It felts different in august when I started this thread, and it’s getting more weird. I mean, there is a glimmer of hope out there, but I don’t think we’ve been in a situation where there are people out there that actually want to tear down the government. This is what makes me worried. 

[mpc]

We are being told the shutdown is likely, but my directorate has put in for everyone to be exempt at 100%. I have never been deemed that important before, I'll be disappointed if it happens this time. I am currently on travel and flying home on saturday. That's convenient lol.

[chchchia]

I agree, this year feels so different and I was in denial and now I feel like, holy shit, what am I going to do?!?!
USAA has the pay loan thing but I worry bc I it says a credit check will be done and my divorce is still wreaking havoc on my credit and I am scared as hell that if I apply for it, I won't be approved. I just get angry bc the ones with the poor credit are the ones that need the help. UGH. I hate this shit.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones bc I have a sister that I know will help me bridge the gap but I don't want that, at all.  I also have VA benefits that will help, I cannot help but think of those people who don't have that.  What happens to them?  All this for what equates to see who has the biggest dick. 

[pumpkin]

We were just unofficially told that our agency has funds to continue operations as usual for one week following 9/30.
And now we continue to wait and see how it all plays out.

[Bernadine]

We finally have an all managers meeting…at 3 pm today.

[rubytue]

WTeverlovingF. Apparently, they are starting impeachment hearings today. Because, clearly that is a priority.

wapo.st/3rrRUHj

[pumpkin]

Sept 28, 2023 7:21:58 GMT -5 rubytue said:

WTeverlovingF. Apparently, they are starting impeachment hearings today. Because, clearly that is a priority.

wapo.st/3rrRUHj

🤣because of course they are! I’m appalled, given everything else, but know I shouldn’t be.

[rubytue]

Sept 28, 2023 7:46:25 GMT -5 pumpkin said:

Sept 28, 2023 7:21:58 GMT -5 rubytue said:

WTeverlovingF. Apparently, they are starting impeachment hearings today. Because, clearly that is a priority.

wapo.st/3rrRUHj

🤣because of course they are! I’m appalled, given everything else, but know I shouldn’t be.

I cannot put into words my feelings about this. Here we are all trying to bust our asses to finish everything by Sept 29, while also planning for the inevitable. And they just decided to go start something new?! 

this may have influenced the email I sent to my team telling them to stand down and there is no way to finish by tomorrow (because stuff keeps coming, like 0 things last night, 35 things this morning), and clearly no one gives AF.

[Scout'sHonor]

We finally got an agency email this am. My coworker post this on IG:

http://instagram.com/p/Cxr3LdpAfrw

[supertrooper1]

If anyone has use or lose leave, I recommend putting in for it before the 30th. That way if we are shut down, you can request to have it restored.

[rubytue]

Sept 28, 2023 10:24:31 GMT -5 supertrooper1 said:

If anyone has use or lose leave, I recommend putting in for it before the 30th. That way if we are shut down, you can request to have it restored.

Definitely! My agency has been telling us this. 

speaking of leave… I made an appointment for something Monday afternoon (a store that is appointment only I’ve been trying to get into). I’m 99.9% confident it’s a done deal. But, I went ahead and put in a couple hours of leave just in case a miracle occurs and there in continuity of operations.

[supertrooper1]

Sept 28, 2023 10:57:54 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Sept 28, 2023 10:24:31 GMT -5 supertrooper1 said:

If anyone has use or lose leave, I recommend putting in for it before the 30th. That way if we are shut down, you can request to have it restored.

Definitely! My agency has been telling us this. 

speaking of leave… I made an appointment for something Monday afternoon (a store that is appointment only I’ve been trying to get into). I’m 99.9% confident it’s a done deal. But, I went ahead and put in a couple hours of leave just in case a miracle occurs and there in continuity of operations.

In the past, any essential employee that had leave on the books during the furlough got "free" leave, meaning they got the day off and didn't have to use leave.  When I was essential, my agency would bully people into signing a form saying if they took leave during a furlough, they wouldn't get paid, couldn't use the leave, and wouldn't be allowed to come back until after the furlough.  Not only did they get paid, but they also were required to come back to work.  I'm in a non-essential job now so it will be interesting to see if I get some time off next week.  

[cattledogkisses]

Sept 28, 2023 7:21:58 GMT -5 rubytue said:

WTeverlovingF. Apparently, they are starting impeachment hearings today. Because, clearly that is a priority.

wapo.st/3rrRUHj

The House has also used their time to add an amendment on their defense spending bill to reduce the Secretary of Defense's salary to $1. 

I'm so glad they're keeping their priorities straight.

[rubytue]

Sept 28, 2023 11:40:07 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Sept 28, 2023 7:21:58 GMT -5 rubytue said:

WTeverlovingF. Apparently, they are starting impeachment hearings today. Because, clearly that is a priority.

wapo.st/3rrRUHj

The House has also used their time to add an amendment on their defense spending bill to reduce the Secretary of Defense's salary to $1. 

I'm so glad they're keeping their priorities straight.

I can’t even…

It’s been a long time since I’ve thought this, and different reasons now, but I want out. Fucking golden handcuffs + primary breadwinner. 

[chchchia]

Sept 28, 2023 10:24:31 GMT -5 supertrooper1 said:

If anyone has use or lose leave, I recommend putting in for it before the 30th. That way if we are shut down, you can request to have it restored.

Thanks for the reminder, just did that now!

[fortnightlily]

@@@

I live in the Maryland 'burbs of DC, and just want to shout out to the company that provides before/after/day-off care at my child's school and many others in the county (plus summer camps). They've always been amazing, but they just sent out an email letting any parents who work for the Federal Government know that they can defer payments during any shutdown, with instructions on how to do so. Warms my heart.

[ssmjlm]

I can't bring myself to care. Let the chips fall. People will start complaining and Congress will have to do something.

When people aren't getting their checks and the contractors can't get paid because no on is there to approve their invoices, someone will have to take action. That's what happened in 1996 when suddenly people were pissed no social security checks were being mailed out (of course now it's direct deposit).

Fine, give me a few days paid vacation w/o burning leave.

[Bernadine]

Sept 28, 2023 13:19:42 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

I can't bring myself to care. Let the chips fall. People will start complaining and Congress will have to do something.

When people aren't getting their checks and the contractors can't get paid because no on is there to approve their invoices, someone will have to take action. That's what happened in 1996 when suddenly people were pissed no social security checks were being mailed out (of course now it's direct deposit).

Fine, give me a few days paid vacation w/o burning leave.

Social Security checks will still go out though.

[ssmjlm]

Sept 28, 2023 13:27:46 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Sept 28, 2023 13:19:42 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

I can't bring myself to care. Let the chips fall. People will start complaining and Congress will have to do something.

When people aren't getting their checks and the contractors can't get paid because no on is there to approve their invoices, someone will have to take action. That's what happened in 1996 when suddenly people were pissed no social security checks were being mailed out (of course now it's direct deposit).

Fine, give me a few days paid vacation w/o burning leave.

Social Security checks will still go out though.

Oh I know, I'm just saying that was the catalyst last time. My sister and I were very ready for my mom to go back to work at the time. My dad was essential.

[karinothing]

Sept 28, 2023 13:27:46 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Sept 28, 2023 13:19:42 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

I can't bring myself to care. Let the chips fall. People will start complaining and Congress will have to do something.

When people aren't getting their checks and the contractors can't get paid because no on is there to approve their invoices, someone will have to take action. That's what happened in 1996 when suddenly people were pissed no social security checks were being mailed out (of course now it's direct deposit).

Fine, give me a few days paid vacation w/o burning leave.

Social Security checks will still go out though.

Yes don't worry all of us still have to work 😞