Charleston, South Carolina – With the government shutdown officially in force, federal employees may face furloughs or layoffs, and many here in the Lowcountry are concerned about the uncertainty. Local companies, like as El Jefe, are doing their part to support the federal government and key workers in their communities.
This marks the first federal government shutdown since 2018. This has left thousands of federal workers in limbo, and approximately 750,000 federal workers may be furloughed.
Frank Hefner, an economics professor at the College of Charleston, emphasized that this is a significant difficulty for many people.
“For the people that are going to be laid off or furloughed, this is an incredibly large hardship,” according to Hefner.
Critical workers, such as TSA agents, will be expected to work without pay until the shutdown is resolved, leaving travelers apprehensive about airport operations. Philip Andres, a tourist at Charleston International Airport, remarked that this is really unnerving.
“I’m not sure I’d be able to go back home. Hopefully, airport and airline operators will continue to operate, because without them, we would be nothing. “Hopefully, the government finds a solution,” Andres stated.
Charleston International Airport officials confirmed that business is operating normally as of Wednesday, with no reported delays. However, operational implications are not the sole cause for concern.
Federal employees around the country will take a significant financial impact. This means that local businesses and economies may suffer.
Hefner emphasized that the ripple effect would affect everyone who will not be receiving a cheque right now. “They’ll get paid later, but they’ll buy groceries right away. Hefner stated that federal workers’ spending will be reduced, which will have an impact on businesses that rely on them.
The National Park Service could have also been affected. Outdoor parks, such as Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter, will remain open to the public beginning Wednesday. However, indoor facilities will close.
Local businesses in the Lowcountry, such as El Jefe, are doing their best to support federal workers and keep the economy going.
Roy Neal, the owner of El Jefe, stated that the community has done a lot for the company, and this is one way to pay back.
“If you are a government employee affected by the closure, please come to El Jefe and we will feed you. “We have a special menu for you, but we will feed you,” Neal explained.
Simply present your government-issued ID or badge and you will receive a free meal every day of the shutdown.
