KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The government shutdown has now lasted more than 30 days, and thousands of federal workers are still at home, some being forced to work without pay.
"We want to go back to work, do what we are supposed to do, get our paycheck and live our lives,” said Christina Bennet, IRS worker and Executive Vice President of the NTEU Chapter 66.
Some IRS workers are being called to work but not showing up, according to national reports. The early tax filing period begins Monday.
"I have a daughter and two grandchildren. Between us it is 60 years of service,” said Bennet.
Everyone living with Bennet works for the IRS. They haven’t been paid in a month.
"This is crazy, we are being used as pawns basically and we just want to do our job," said Bennet.
The KC Chamber says 19,000 people in the Kansas City area work for the federal government.
We are days away from federal workers missing another paycheck. The trickle down impact in Kansas City is hurting local businesses. One IRS worker I spoke with lives with her daughter and two children, all are IRS workers, all without pay. @41actionnews #GovernmentShutdown pic.twitter.com/KHS1PY8ZcP
— Steven Dial (@StevenDialTV) January 23, 2019
A Washington Post report says in the Kansas City region, federal contractors are losing $10 million a week.
There is also a trickle-down effect on other local businesses, including those near federal offices.
"It’s a big difference, we are surrounded by federal employees, government workers, a lot of people are holding back right now,” said Daniel Marrero with NY Griddle food truck.
Businesses in Union Station also said they are seeing fewer customers since the shutdown.
Marrero said he’s hoping for a resolution soon.
"Hopefully for everyone, not just for me, but for the people who are really suffering behind it you know," said Marrero.
