Unable to come to an agreement for the budget of the new fiscal year, the federal government has shutdown leaving university students to wonder how this may impact their federal financial aid.
The fiscal year ends September 30, but because a budget remains to be agreed upon the government is unable to pay employees. So while “essential” employees, such as the FBI and ATC, continue to work the “nonessential,” such as civilian workers, have been furloughed. Dr. Matthew Costello, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science here at Saint Xavier University, explained that the reason a budget agreement has not been reached is due to a partisan divide that appears to be over the Affordable Healthcare Act.
When asked whether he believes the government shutdown will be long-term or short-term, Costello said that, “In terms of length, I think this is going to last less than two-weeks. Two-weeks at the most.” He also mentioned that initially the affect that the government shut down might have on citizens would be very small beginning with the closing of national parks. The first people to feel any real affect would be those who need the government’s help, such as people relying on SNAP (food stamps) or living in government housing.
Students are wondering what will happen to their financial aid. Susan Swisher, Director of Financial Aid, stated, “I would be shocked if it had an impact on financial aid,” and mentioned that the information that’s been given by the Department of Education says “that everything is status quo when it comes to financial aid.” In fact, she had just posted loans the day before meeting with The Xavierite and had them funded that morning.
Unfortunately, the federal website for the Department of Education is currently not posting information on the website or responding to questions posted by the public due to the furlough of employees. So if a student wants to keep up to date about any information relating to the government shutdown and financial aid he or she should contact their university’s Financial Aid Department.
Catlyn Hicks
Senior News Editor
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