The ongoing government shutdown is beginning to affect the economy in South Central Kentucky, and experts warn that the longer it continues, the more severe the impact will be on local businesses.
In Bowling Green, the effects are still modest but noticeable. At Mammoth Cave National Park, rangers have been furloughed, leaving fewer staff members to guide visitors or provide safety information.
“You can still go to Mammoth Cave, but restrooms might be closed, and the visitor center won’t be open. It’ll start as small inconveniences, but the longer it lasts, the worse it’ll get,” explained Joel Turner, a political science professor at Western Kentucky University.
While some federal employees are furloughed, essential workers such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers must continue working without pay.
“Don’t hold our military or federal workers hostage. Let’s bring them back to work and get the government open again. Then we can negotiate,” urged U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky.
Kentucky is home to more than 23,000 federal employees, but the shutdown’s impact will extend beyond government workers. Businesses with federal contracts may experience delays in payments since many employees responsible for processing those contracts are currently furloughed.
“If those grants get delayed and funding runs out, people can’t be expected to work for free,” Turner said. “Without money, work stops, and that affects everyone — not just federal employees.”
As the shutdown drags on, its economic strain will increasingly ripple through local communities.
Still, Turner emphasized a note of optimism: “Americans are resilient, and we’ll get through this shutdown.”
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