Government Shutdown Causes Confusion For Some Triad Residents

The impact of the first government shutdown in 17 years is being felt across the country this week.

Several federal offices were shuttered and thousands of workers were sent home Tuesday after lawmakers failed to come to a deal with the Obama Administration over healthcare reforms.

In North Carolina, state officials say the federal government shut down could impact as many as 6,000 state government workers whose jobs are fully or partially federally funded.

News of the temporary shutdown has many Triad residents concerned. Melinda Hartley is the Income Support Division Director for Forsyth County Department of Social Services.

“We have had light foot traffic. We think people might think we are closed. We have had a number of calls from people asking if they still have their Medicaid, or if they still have their benefits. People were concerned about the government shutdown and how it will affect them. Our doors are open. We are here to serve them. It does not affect their Medicaid, Food Stamps or any other benefits that they receive from us,” says Hartley.

Other government-related services will also continue despite the shutdown, including mail delivery and air travel. Federal officials say low-to-moderate income borrowers and first-time home buyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays.