Thursday marks day 34 of the partial government shutdown – the longest shutdown in US history! As the fight for the wall at the US-Mexico border continues, around 800,000 federal workers have been working without pay or are on unpaid leave since last month. No end seems to be in sight. Here are some things happening because of the shutdown:
The good:
The City of Boston Credit Union announced it would support its members affected by the government shutdown through member assistance loans, “Skip a Pay” options, and share certificate withdrawals. There are a few options are available to current City of Boston Credit Union members who are federal government employees and whose pay is impacted by the government shutdown! You can see the options here!
Bowl over your stress! All Kings Dining and Entertainment locations are offering all furloughed government employees complimentary bowling through the end of the government shutdown. Affected employees with proof of government ID and their immediate families are invited to enjoy two free bowling games and complimentary shoe rental at all Kings locations all day, until 6p. The offer is valid Mondays through Thursdays until the furlough is over. Guests must mention the promotion. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. First come, first serve. Void on holidays. Maximum of 5 guests for each qualifying guest. For more information on Kings Dining & Entertainment and to find your nearest location, please visit kings-de.com
Take in some culture! The Museum of Fine Arts is extending free admission to all federal employees plus one guest each for the duration of the federal government shutdown. Visitors may redeem this offer by presenting a federal government ID at any admissions desk. The New England Aquarium is also offering free admission! If you’re a furloughed worker, enjoy complimentary tickets to the The Boston Symphony Orchestra in January ! With a valid federal government identification can request a pair of tickets for up to two different shows through Jan. 29. Visit here for more info!
Blue Dragon in Fort Point is offering Free Shutdown Dumplings and Rice Bowls for all furloughed federal employees! Just bring in your government ID.
The bad:
There are hundreds of dog poop bags at Dorchester Heights! Thomas Park/Dorchester Heights employees are currently not picking up the trash thanks to the shutdown – so kindly do not leave your dog poop bags! Use common sense and throw them in your own garbage can at home. Thank you!
No matter where you stand politically, the shutdown has impacted an estimated 800,000 federal employees and their families. In addition, some small businesses aren’t getting loans, private companies aren’t going public, and federal courts are running out of money. Not to mention, because the furloughed workers aren’t getting a pay check, they’re not injecting money into the economy which can affect small, local businesses. Here are a few ways you can help:
National military nonprofit Hope For The Warriors is joining forces with the Semper Fi Society of Boston and the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation to support Massachusetts-based U.S. Coast Guard familiesduring the government shutdown. You learn how you can show your support here!
Another way to show your support for those struggling without pay, you can make a donation to the National Diaper Bank Organization!
Support our local small businesses in the neighborhood! Go out to dinner or a drink, get a haircut, pick up a gift, buy a plant. It’s simple enough and helps so much!
The annoying:
Dorchester’s own John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is closed. A sign on the gate reads: “Due to a lapse in federal funding, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is closed.” So if you planned on making a trip or visit to the Kennedy Library, it is closed until this government mess is sorted out. You may want to check other local tourist attractions to make sure they are open before you plan your visit.
After some googling….I wonder, do we really need to build a library for every president? Although the funds to build them come from private and other sources, once built they are then turned over to the national archives to run (and fund) them at the taxpayers expense. A bit of a tangent I know but….seems like an excess we don’t need.