Local Impacts of the Government Shutdown

When the federal government goes into a shutdown, the effects ripple far beyond Washington, D.C. — for many Arizona families, what seems like a distant political standoff can turn into real-life stress. Whether through food assistance, park closures, or delays at the airport, the strain shows up in daily life for many. 

Nutrition programs assisting Women & Children are in Jeopardy 

A major concern in Arizona right now is the fate of WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), a program many low-income mothers and young children depend on for formula, healthy foods, and nutritional support. In Arizona, approximately 153,000 mothers and children rely on WIC.  

While the program is currently operating, its federal funding is projected to run out by the end of October unless Congress intervenes. If that happens, clinics may have to pause benefits, leaving families scrambling for ways to keep their children fed and healthy. 

National Parks and local economies 

Many families use fall breaks or school holidays for day trips across Arizona — to national monuments, historic sites, or the Grand Canyon. But during a shutdown, federal sites can close or severely limit services. 

For instance, Montezuma Castle National Monument is closed, leaving visitors disappointed and local tour operators scrambling. At the Grand Canyon, the visitor center was shuttered, staffing was reduced, and nearby businesses already struggling from wildfires flagged cancellations and lost revenue.  

These closures hit families’ recreation plans and the local economies that depend on tourism. Lodging, guide services, restaurants, and gas stations may all face sudden downturns. Before heading to one of Arizona’s National Parks, it’s best to ensure they’re open for business.  

Community safety nets get stretched 

When federal safety nets wobble, community organizations become the fallback. Food banks, local charities, churches, and nonprofits will likely see a surge in families seeking help with groceries, utility assistance, or diaper banks. 

Local governments may face pressure to step in, but budgets are often tight. The result is that neighbors, faith groups, and volunteers could become the first line of support. 

The impact on flights and air traffic control 

Often underestimated, one ripple from a shutdown reaches skyward: air travel may be disrupted. While commercial flights generally continue, the infrastructure supporting them is vulnerable. Here’s what to watch out for: 

• Essential workers must work without pay. 
  Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are classified as “mission essential,” meaning they must continue working even when the government is shut down. The problem: many will do so without pay, which can create strain, low morale, and increased absences. 

• Staffing shortages and delays. 
  Already, reports from multiple airports show delays attributed to air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages. In some cases, entire control towers have lacked on-site controllers and have operated via remote facilities to compensate. 

• Suspended hiring, training, and maintenance. 
  With discretionary funding paused, hiring and training for new air traffic controllers are often halted in a shutdown. Some FAA support functions — such as safety inspections, facility maintenance, and certification processing — may also be paused. This can create backlogs that linger even after the shutdown ends. 

• Longer security lines. 
  TSA agents are also required to work without pay. In past shutdowns, officers calling in “sick” or skipping shifts has caused longer wait times at security checkpoints.  

The longer the shutdown lasts, the more these pressures mount. For many, the ripple effects will reach daily routines, finances, and peace of mind. 

If the government shut down has or will impact you in any way, send us an email to keep us informed, and we can try to help you and your family.  

Send an email to Arizona’s U.S. Senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego respectfully asking them to please put political theater aside and pass the continuing resolution to help Arizonans by opening our government back up. Sample Message: Dear Senator, Please vote YES on the House Continuing Resolution to open our government. This shutdown is putting women, children and babies at risk, as well as the safety & security of our citizens. Please put the partisan political theater aside and do what’s best for the citizens of Arizona. Vote YES on the House Continuing Resolution. Thank you.