People speak out about the shutdown

Latest

Low-wage federal contract workers such as janitors, security guards, and cafeteria workers tell U.S. senators how the government shutdown has affected their lives. Contract workers don’t get backpay.
PHOTOS/NOW THIS POLITICS

“I don’t know how I will pay the $250 a month for my son’s medication [for ADHD]. My husband and I have put ourselves on a macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwich diet so the kids can eat.” —Furloughed federal worker in a CNN interview
On Jan. 16, a panel of US senators heard testimony from some low-wage federal contract workers such as janitors, security guards and cafeteria workers about how the government shutdown has affected their lives. Below are excerpts from the testimony of some of those workers:
“I’m the head of the household. I have two children on asthma machines that need a machine every four hours. I have an electric bill that’s due and is about to be disconnected, a car note that’s two months past due, they’re about to take my vehicle. I have blood pressure medicine I need to take. I just brought my mother to live with me, because she’s losing her eyesight. I don’t know why Trump is holding us hostage. I don’t care about no wall. He didn’t ask me did I want a wall built up. He’s a billionaire. Why shut down the government and take our money to build a wall? All we want to do is work and provide for our family.”
“Today I don’t have health insurance. I don’t have much money to send to my mother, who is in Africa sick in bed. I don’t why Trump or whoever signed with him this shut down; we have to be open right now. I don’t want to be homeless, and I’m working 20 years in America.”
“We don’t want it to get worse that what it is. It can make a riot, anything can happen. You don’t mess with people’s money and people’s family. A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck and no one is helping them.”

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

More from the People's Tribune