We don’t deserve a government shutdown

To the Editor,

   “…it’s all so disappointing.”

   Rep. Miller-Meeks said this on tonight’s newscast regarding the impending U.S. government shutdown that is still looming as I write this piece.

   Disappointing?

   No, Representative Miller-Meeks…“disappointing” is the word used when you find yourself out of ketchup and you’ve just grilled burgers.

   Outraged! Incensed! Disgusted! Infuriated!

   THOSE are the words four million government workers should be using to describe the lack of effort from our elected officials as they wait to hear of a government shutdown.

   The government had one job…come back from the summer months with agreements on 12 appropriation bills. Instead, Republicans chose to run with a BOGUS story about impeaching President Biden and now look where we are!

   How will the shutdown impact your household?

   Title 1 – parents, do you have a child receiving special help with reading at school? Possible cut!

   Seniors – are you reliant on Medicare and Medicaid for your healthcare and medications? Plan on your checks being late.

   Military families – do you have someone in the service or on border patrol? They won’t be paid because they’re a government employee. Why would they want to protect our country when it won’t pay them?

   Single mothers and children – besides Gov. Reynolds wanting you to live in poverty with food insecurities and no money for rent, our federal government shuts the door on your WIC check, too. How will you survive?

   Farmers – You will get hurt the most…the USDA that feeds 41 million Americans with SNAP and the delay of the Farm Bill are all BAD! Were you planning on CRP checks? Late! Iowa has the most farmers in the nation enrolled in programs like these.

   “Disappointing” reminds me of what a congressman says on TV when a school shooting happens in his state and on TV he quips, “…our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.”

   Oh, please!

   I couldn’t be more affirmed in my support for Christina Bohannan as our District 1 House Representative in 2024. She’s the Iowa story. She knows what it’s like to have someone like Rep. Miller-Meeks representing her family while they live paycheck to paycheck.

   Christina…you’re going to win next year…with this irresponsibility and abuse from our government, the Republicans are handing the spot to you on a silver platter.

   You will not be “disappointing…”

Mary Melchert

Monticello, Iowa