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Letter: Shutdowns cause a wide range of economic ripples

A furloughed government worker affected by the shutdown holds a sign that reads "Reopen the Government" during a silent protest against the ongoing partial government shutdown on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

You are aware that many federal employees and contractors are not working or receiving paychecks because of the federal government shutdown.

Here are some other things we’re not doing:

· Buying lunch at local eateries.

· Taking our spouses to dinner at local restaurants.

· Taking our families to local theaters and other entertainment venues.

· Buying cars and trucks from local dealerships.

· Purchasing clothing and furniture from local stores and malls.

· Fueling our personal and work vehicles at local gas stations.

· Buying airline tickets, using taxis or rideshares, and lodging at hotels.

· Making offers on new homes.

· Donating to nonprofit organizations.

Federal employees and contractors are the most immediate hostages of the political jousting, but shutdowns have economic ripples.

Lee Kreutzer, Millcreek

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