Central Oregon impacts grow as shutdown continues

The federal government shutdown is now in its 26th day. It’s affecting more than federal workers’ paychecks. Here in Central Oregon, firefighters, forest projects, farmers’ loans and school food programs are among those affected, in one way or another.

That’s not to mention the thousands of federal employees who’ve had to file for unemployment over the last month – even though they are, in fact, employed. That said, local agencies are doing their part to pick up the slack.

Wildland firefighters were supposed to start training in Redmond next week, but during the government shutdown, that’s not going to happen. A Bend-based firefighter, who asked not to be named, told NewsChannel 21 no training puts their safety — and the safety of the community — at risk.

Firefighters have to take refresher courses each year. Without them, the entire country could end up with a shortage of qualified firefighters. They use these important sessions to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, introduce new tactics and refresh safety procedures.

“(Training) gives us time to look back at the previous season (or seasons) and compare them to the coming fire season,” he said. “It also helps to get us back in the mindset of firefighting, as we have been in the cold and away from it for several months.”

Forestry officials also have had to put their seasonal forest restoration and wildfire fuels-reducction projects, such as hazardous tree removal and pile burning, on hold.

Twelve lawmakers, including Oregon’s two senators, have sent President Donald Trump a letter urging him to end the shutdown.

They write, “Unless these firefighter trainings and forest health projects resume soon, the health and safety of our communities mostly in rural areas will continue to be put at risk during this government shutdown.”

NewsChannel 21 learned seasonal workers, such as wildland firefighters, often file for unemployment around this time of year. However, given the government shutdown, the average number of claims officials see has spiked.

Damon Runberg, Central Oregon’s regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department, said unemployment numbers in the state are up by more than 1,400.

He said that between Dec. 22 and Jan. 15, 1,900 federal employees in Oregon have filed for unemployment. During the same time last year, that number was just 450.

When the shutdown inevitably ends, any federal employee on furlough will likely get back pay. And anyone who filed for unemployment will have to pay back the benefits they received, kind of like a cash advance.

The shutdown is also impacting workers that don’t necessarily come to mind right away.

Many farmers say the shutdown is already hitting them hard. Farmers are already facing a fifth year of low crop prices. That coupled with the ongoing trade war with China has them on edge. But the United States Department of Agriculture is hoping to make things a bit easier for them.

Almost 3,000 USDA employees are furloughed. Starting Thursdsay, it’s bringing back part of the Farm Service Administration team for a few days to help with existing farm loans. Farmers often use federal funds to buy seeds and supplies for the planting season.

The USDA is reopening 12 of its FSA offices in Oregon, including Redmond’s. However, services will be limited.

Farmers won’t be able to apply for new loans until the shutdown ends. Those with an existing loan deadline will not have to make payments until the shutdown is over. Farmers also cannot access any disaster assistance programs.

The Deschutes County Farm Service Agency is located in Redmond. It’ll be open Jan. 17, 18, and 22. It’s closed Monday, Jan 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

With all those furloughed employees in mind, Central Oregon schools are sending the message, “We are not shut down.”

The Bend-La Pine school district wants kids to feel like school is business as usual, even if the rest of the country is not. The district’s nutrition supervisor, Garra Schluter, said school officials are encouraging parents on furlough to apply for the free and reduced meals program.

“We want to make sure school is still a place where families feel like they’re being taken care of,” she said.

“Its just nice to be able to know there’s one little piece that we can help a family,” Schulter continued. “That’s really what our ultimate goal is. Just to make kids feel like it’s normal at school, because maybe in their household right now it’s a difficult time.”

About 30-40 percent of students already use the free and reduced meals program.

To apply, visit the Bend-La Pine website or parents can get an application directly from their child’s school.

The district reports families can save $630-$750 per child a year if they qualify for free or reduced-price meals, which include breakfast and lunch.

If approved, the child would receive free or reduced meals for the rest of the year, plus 30 days at the beginning of next year.

The ongoing government shutdown is now the longest ever in American history.