Government shutdown could impact local services, experts say

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With the federal government officially shut down, many assume the effects are limited to Washington, D.C.

However, local communities could soon feel the ripple effects.

Jeff Budziak, a political science professor at Western Kentucky University, says furloughs are the most common result for federal workers, meaning many won’t report to work or receive pay.

Essential federal employees must still work but without immediate compensation—though they typically receive back pay when the government reopens.

“Those things may feel invisible,” Budziak said, “But they’re happening in the background of our everyday life. Services like food inspections, passport processing, and disaster relief could face delays or disruptions. The shutdown also impacts local economies tied to federal agencies and contracts.”

“We don’t appreciate these things until they’re taken away or disrupted in some way,” Budziak added.

National parks are among the few federal services staying partially open, but with limited staffing and access. As the shutdown continues, its effects may become increasingly visible, even far from the nation’s capital.