The shutdown is expected to shave 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points of annualized inflation-GDP growth per week.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
The American government shutdown impacts about 1.4 million federal workers, with roughly 700,000 furloughed and another 700,000 deemed essential continuing to work without pay. This number doesn’t include the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.
About 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA officers are currently working without pay. Once the government shutdown ends they will receive their pay. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck so this is a tough time.
The shutdown is expected to shave 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points of annualized inflation-GDP growth per week. It’s also delaying the release of economic data, which could make it harder for the Federal Reserve to make informed decisions on interest and monetary policy. However, many economists believe the negative effects will be temporary and will be recovered when normal operations resume.
The major holdup is that Democrats want a spending plan that includes an extension of Covid-19 pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Republicans want a spending bill first, and then they’ll talk about the extension of those subsidies.
During the government shutdown, the average US congressman makes around $14,500 per month. Their annual salary is $174,000. They will also receive government health insurance. They will receive their ongoing matching contributions paid into their retirement plan by the government, paid time off, free gym membership and other perks.
US Congress members still receive salaries during a shutdown because the 27th Amendment to the Constitution prevents congressional pay raises or decreases during their current term. Their salaries come from a permanent appropriation that isn’t tied to annual spending bills. They are considered essential workers, even though they’re not directly affected by the shutdown like other federal workers.
Most Americans think it’s unfair for Congress to get paid during a shutdown while federal workers don’t. Many argue it’s hypocritical and unjust. However, there are several members of Congress who reportedly have chosen to not receive their pay until the shutdown is resolved.
During the shutdown, Americans can contact their representatives to express concerns. Donate to charities helping furloughed workers. Participate in peaceful protests/rallies. Support local businesses and national parks. Volunteer for organizations helping federal workers. Stay informed through credible news sources. Reach out to neighbors who are federal workers to offer help. Vote at the upcoming election.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 shots for all adults this fall. The standing order ensures access through local pharmacies and health care providers.
by Ben Szalinski Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health has recommended all adults get a COVID-19 shot this fall despite federal guidelines that narrowed the group of people recommended for the shot.
IDPH released a standing order on Tuesdays that recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children between six and 23 months; children ages 2 through 17 that have an underlying risk or live in a home with another person who is at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19; any child whose parents want them to get a vaccine; people who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or postpartum; and all adults.
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Andrew Adams
Signs advertise autumn vaccinations at a pharmacy in Chicago.
The recommendation bucks new and murky guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that recommend vaccines only for people ages 65 and older. A recent CDC advisory panel vote allowed people younger than 65 to receive the vaccine after being informed of the risks and benefits of the shot, backing away from requiring people to get a prescription in order to receive the vaccine.
Illinois’ latest recommendations follow the state’s Immunization Advisory Committee Monday vote on the issue.
“IDPH’s recommendations, made in consultation with our Immunization Advisory Committee, will ensure that residents can protect themselves and their family members this upcoming respiratory season,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. “In addition, the accompanying standing order will allow residents access to COVID-19 vaccine in local pharmacies and other health care settings.”
Gov. JB Pritzker also issued an executive order earlier this month requiring IDPH to issue its own guidelines for vaccines this fall amid uncertainty over what the federal government would recommend.
“At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to provide clear, science-informed guidance, Illinois is stepping up,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Illinois will continue to empower providers and families across our state with the information and access they need to guard against illness and disease.”
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Nowicki
Gov. JB Pritzker receives his COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
IDPH’s standing order allows health care providers and pharmacies in Illinois to give COVID-19 shots within the department’s guidelines. It also requires federal insurance plans, insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act and state-regulated insurance plans to cover the vaccines.
Insurance companies that are members of America’s Health Insurance Plans, which are most major insurance companies, plan to continue covering the shots, according to the Associated Press.
Other vaccines
The Trump administration has also been unclear about how it will approach future recommendations on other vaccines. A CDC advisory panel last week recommended against administering the combination of measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccines, MMRV, to children under 4 years old.
IDPH is recommending children and adults follow the CDC’s prior guidelines that recommend the MMRV.
IDPH is also recommending everyone receive flu shots this fall.
RSV vaccines are also recommended for adults aged 74 years old and older, adults at high risk for severe illness who are over 50, people who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and children between eight and 19 months who are at a high risk of severe illness.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
TAGGED: Illinois COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, IDPH fall vaccine guidelines, COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, JB Pritzker executive order, RSV and flu vaccine guidance
President Trump probably doesn’t want any pictures taken with his feet on his desk. Maybe he never puts his feet on his desk. His recent diagnosis of a venous blood supply problem warrants such a recline two or three times a day.
Millions of Americans, especially seniors, deal with ankle and lower leg swelling caused by the flow of blood from the lower leg not returning to the heart as adequately as it did earlier in life. It’s not a debilitating issue unless it’s ignored in which case a blood clot could develop in the lower leg or behind the knee.
Blood clots are not good as they are not good for the veins. Even worse, a blood clot in the lower leg can travel to the upper part of the body which could be fatal. Thousands of Americans die every year from blood clots that travel to the heart or cause strokes which can be debilitating and fatal.
The smart thing for our President to do is to put his feet up on his desk for ten minutes or so three or four times a day. He can do so when he is talking on his telephone or if he is having a casual meeting. Doctors typically recommend compression socks. There are different grades of compression socks. Some are very light and go on very easy while others are like fighting a war to put on because the compression is so tight. Most people don’t particularly enjoy compression socks. However, many testify that once you are used to them you feel better because your legs aren’t swelling as much during the day.
Besides compression socks and elevating your legs it’s good not to stand in one spot for too long. Walking is great, but just standing in one position can negatively impact the lower leg and the flow of blood as it returns to the heart. Sitting too long creates the same problematic scenario.
The President is doing the right thing by taking an aspirin a day to avoid clotting issues. Most people who develop a blood clot often end up on blood thinner for a while or a lifetime.
Alcohol makes your blood slicker. It doesn’t make it thinner as reported by a family physician.
A few years back, I had a pulmonary embolism after receiving my third covid shot so I have some experience to draw from on this.
President Trump can potentially live another robust 20 years or more. However, it’s reality, he is getting older and has to take care of himself.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
This weekend's series of protests were inspired by demonstrations in the Minnesota and fueled by outrage over recent fatal shootin...
On This Day
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
