🇺🇸 What the U.S. Government Shutdown Means — and How It Affects You

Oct 8 / Jon Connolly
What’s happening?

The U.S. government has shut down because Congress couldn’t agree on a new budget.
When that happens, many government offices close or slow down until a deal is reached.

Some jobs — like airport security, the military, and law enforcement — keep running because they’re “essential.”
But hundreds of thousands of other government workers are furloughed (sent home) or working without pay until the shutdown ends.

Who does it affect?

👨‍💼 Federal workers

Many government employees and contractors aren’t getting paid right now.

Some are working without pay and hoping they’ll get back pay later.

🧾 Regular people

Even if you don’t work for the government, you might feel the effects:

Delays in things like passports, loans, and permits.

Air travel could slow down if more air traffic controllers call out.

Local businesses that rely on federal money might see less income.

Tourism and other industries could take a hit if people cut spending.

How long will it last?

That depends on how quickly Congress can agree on a funding plan.

For comparison:

The longest shutdown ever lasted 35 days (back in 2018–2019).

Some shutdowns only last a few days.

Right now, no one knows for sure how long this one will go on.

The longer it lasts, the more it affects people’s wallets, bills, and daily lives.

Why it matters to hospitality workers

If you work in bars, restaurants, or hotels, you probably already know how fast tips and hours can change when people tighten their budgets.

Fewer people going out = fewer shifts, fewer tips, and more stress.
That’s why we want to help keep Illinois hospitality workers moving forward — even during tough times.

🎓 Free BASSET & Food Handler Training During the Shutdown

To help out, Illinois BASSET is offering free online BASSET and Food Handler training while the government is shut down.

Use the code OnTheHouse at checkout to get your course for free — no strings attached.

Because when times get tough, your training should be on the house.

What to do during the shutdown

✅ Stay informed — Keep an eye on news updates so you know when it ends.
✅ Budget carefully — Paychecks or government benefits could be delayed.
✅ Keep your skills fresh — Use this downtime to boost your qualifications (and save money while you can).
✅ Support each other — Check in with coworkers, friends, and local businesses.

Final thoughts

Government shutdowns are stressful — and unfair to the people who keep everything running.
While we can’t fix Washington, we can make life a little easier for the people who serve our communities every day.

At Illinois BASSET, we stand with Illinois hospitality workers.
That’s why all through the shutdown, your training is “On The House.”

👉 Visit illinoisbasset.com
 and use code OnTheHouse to enroll for free.