Any other families planning for a furlough?

[gwynne]

I think any real sympathy in your posts gets totally overridden by the lecturing. I am not a federal employee or spouse of a federal employee but I can still have empathy. Suggesting that people can just cut from their budget and question their spending is a generalization. When my company had to do this we were asked to take 10 days in the year. This is less than 1/2 of what the government employees are now being asked. I saw first hand all aspects of the impact. Yes there were some that viewed it as an extra vacation opportunity, there were many that just tightened the belt a little, and there were some that really struggled. We can sit and judge those that struggled, but without knowing every detailed of their lives, who are we to say if they struggled due to poor decisions/over spending or other unexpected circumstances. Some people had both spouses working for our company and got double hit. Some people had a spouse that was already unemployed. Others had made decisions to have one spouse at home with the kids and were living frugally already. I know one co-worker who had recently rescued a teenage relative from a bad home environment. At age 13 she had never been to a dentist and needed alot of work. She also needed therapy and many other things. My point is that this should be a time of sympathy and support for those that are impacted. The overall economic situation has hurt many people in the last 5 to 6 years. Right now it is hitting the federal employees and contractors the hardest. A few years back the entire state of Michigan was highly impacted. I live near Philadelphia and in 2009 several of the largest law firms in the city basically imploded. Whether it was an hourly auto worker or a highly paid law partner, they all stubbled as a result. Instead of looking at it as I suffered so it is only fair that xyz group suffers too. Can't we look and say it is terrible that anyone should go through this. We an interwoven economy and society, when one part is hurt we all hurt. Let's be sympathetic and hope that the economy improves and we are all more prosperous. OK off the soapbox now.

This is a very unfair situation that is not the fault of hard working federal employees and their families. Your empathetic, understanding comments are appreciated.

 

[psimon]

I think any real sympathy in your posts gets totally overridden by the lecturing. I am not a federal employee or spouse of a federal employee but I can still have empathy. Suggesting that people can just cut from their budget and question their spending is a generalization. When my company had to do this we were asked to take 10 days in the year. This is less than 1/2 of what the government employees are now being asked. I saw first hand all aspects of the impact. Yes there were some that viewed it as an extra vacation opportunity, there were many that just tightened the belt a little, and there were some that really struggled. We can sit and judge those that struggled, but without knowing every detailed of their lives, who are we to say if they struggled due to poor decisions/over spending or other unexpected circumstances. Some people had both spouses working for our company and got double hit. Some people had a spouse that was already unemployed. Others had made decisions to have one spouse at home with the kids and were living frugally already. I know one co-worker who had recently rescued a teenage relative from a bad home environment. At age 13 she had never been to a dentist and needed alot of work. She also needed therapy and many other things. My point is that this should be a time of sympathy and support for those that are impacted. The overall economic situation has hurt many people in the last 5 to 6 years. Right now it is hitting the federal employees and contractors the hardest. A few years back the entire state of Michigan was highly impacted. I live near Philadelphia and in 2009 several of the largest law firms in the city basically imploded. Whether it was an hourly auto worker or a highly paid law partner, they all struggled as a result. Instead of looking at it as I suffered so it is only fair that xyz group suffers too, can't we look and say it is terrible that anyone should go through this. We an interwoven economy and society, when one part is hurt we all hurt. Let's be sympathetic and hope that the economy improves and we are all more prosperous. OK off the soapbox now.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Very Well Said!

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[AmyAnne]

First, my sympathies to those who are furloughed. (I am a former federal employee who loved the work but couldn't pay the bills on what I was making.) I am following this thread mostly because my son (a college student) is applying for a fellowship for the next academic year (2013-2014) that is funded by the Dept. of State and I am worried that the program will be cut (probably not altogether, but it is a super competitive program and any cuts mean his chances are decreased). I know my concerns are not the same as those who are facing pay cuts but I still want the government fully funded.

So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem? And specifically, concerning the fellowship my son is applying for, will this enable agencies to move ahead with programs that extend into 2014?

 

[darrius1st]

It all depends on the Federal Agency you work for. So are looking at 40 days of Furlough and I don't care what grade you are that hurts alot.

 

[dominiondad]

First, my sympathies to those who are furloughed. (I am a former federal employee who loved the work but couldn't pay the bills on what I was making.) I am following this thread mostly because my son (a college student) is applying for a fellowship for the next academic year (2013-2014) that is funded by the Dept. of State and I am worried that the program will be cut (probably not altogether, but it is a super competitive program and any cuts mean his chances are decreased). I know my concerns are not the same as those who are facing pay cuts but I still want the government fully funded.

So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem? And specifically, concerning the fellowship my son is applying for, will this enable agencies to move ahead with programs that extend into 2014?

I'm not sure anybody will have an answer for you right now. My DW and I are both feds and have received our letters. Both of our organizations have yet to pin down the details. My organization is still trying to move money around, figure out which expenses they can cut, and guess what Congres will do. I just saw an email that advised we will not be hiring until 2015, but DOS may be different. Every department is differtent and my experience is that none of them really know what is going to happen. We are dependent on Congress, and that's never a good thing.

 

[gwynne]

First, my sympathies to those who are furloughed. (I am a former federal employee who loved the work but couldn't pay the bills on what I was making.) I am following this thread mostly because my son (a college student) is applying for a fellowship for the next academic year (2013-2014) that is funded by the Dept. of State and I am worried that the program will be cut (probably not altogether, but it is a super competitive program and any cuts mean his chances are decreased). I know my concerns are not the same as those who are facing pay cuts but I still want the government fully funded.

So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem? And specifically, concerning the fellowship my son is applying for, will this enable agencies to move ahead with programs that extend into 2014?

I think it's pretty much impossible to answer this question. Hopefully the program will keep your son updated as he proceeds through the application process. Best of luck to him!

 

[psimon]

First, my sympathies to those who are furloughed. (I am a former federal employee who loved the work but couldn't pay the bills on what I was making.) I am following this thread mostly because my son (a college student) is applying for a fellowship for the next academic year (2013-2014) that is funded by the Dept. of State and I am worried that the program will be cut (probably not altogether, but it is a super competitive program and any cuts mean his chances are decreased). I know my concerns are not the same as those who are facing pay cuts but I still want the government fully funded.

So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem? And specifically, concerning the fellowship my son is applying for, will this enable agencies to move ahead with programs that extend into 2014?

I believe you are referring to the Continuing Resolution. That allows the government to stay open until the end of the fiscal year (9/30/13), but has no effect on the sequester.

Hope that helps...

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[worm761]

So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem?

The problem is that the federal government has not had a budget in several years. If they pass something for the fiscal year 2013 it ends on September 30th. So it kicks the problem until October 1 when we, once again, have no budget for the fiscal year.

 

[sweetdana]

I think any real sympathy in your posts gets totally overridden by the lecturing. I am not a federal employee or spouse of a federal employee but I can still have empathy. Suggesting that people can just cut from their budget and question their spending is a generalization. When my company had to do this we were asked to take 10 days in the year. This is less than 1/2 of what the government employees are now being asked. I saw first hand all aspects of the impact. Yes there were some that viewed it as an extra vacation opportunity, there were many that just tightened the belt a little, and there were some that really struggled. We can sit and judge those that struggled, but without knowing every detailed of their lives, who are we to say if they struggled due to poor decisions/over spending or other unexpected circumstances. Some people had both spouses working for our company and got double hit. Some people had a spouse that was already unemployed. Others had made decisions to have one spouse at home with the kids and were living frugally already. I know one co-worker who had recently rescued a teenage relative from a bad home environment. At age 13 she had never been to a dentist and needed alot of work. She also needed therapy and many other things. My point is that this should be a time of sympathy and support for those that are impacted. The overall economic situation has hurt many people in the last 5 to 6 years. Right now it is hitting the federal employees and contractors the hardest. A few years back the entire state of Michigan was highly impacted. I live near Philadelphia and in 2009 several of the largest law firms in the city basically imploded. Whether it was an hourly auto worker or a highly paid law partner, they all struggled as a result. Instead of looking at it as I suffered so it is only fair that xyz group suffers too, can't we look and say it is terrible that anyone should go through this. We an interwoven economy and society, when one part is hurt we all hurt. Let's be sympathetic and hope that the economy improves and we are all more prosperous. OK off the soapbox now.

agreed.. the original point I was failing at making.. is simply ... it is not a perm solution.. and I am so sorry.
I think tone is a good portion of communication and lost in text on forums.. maybe adding some faces I guess..
and to be crystal clear, I don't think it is a good thing, I do not support it..I re-read my posts and I think they are coming off that I support them I don't.. and I also don't think 22 unpaid days, spread over 6 months, is the the same as perm. possible furlough, being threatened either..

I am so sorry and no lectures.

point 1 more time.. I don't think a perm furlough is a real solution was the point I orig started making. period.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...So that brings me to my question. I have been reading this morning that it looks like something will pass Congress this week (and be signed by Obama) that will fund the government for 2013. I realize that whatever it is that is being passed is not a real solution, but I am wondering, how far down the road does it "kick" the problem? And specifically, concerning the fellowship my son is applying for, will this enable agencies to move ahead with programs that extend into 2014?

That funds the government until Oct 1, 2013 when the new fiscal year starts. And it starts all over again unless they have a budget for FY2014.

I think the last time the country actually had a budget was FY 2008? Or FY2007? They've enacted continuing resolutions since then.

 

[gwynne]

This is just shameful. While the arguing continues in DC ...guess who else they are sticking it to, now?

Sequestration Slashes Scholarships for Children of Iraq and Afghanistan War Casualties and Military Members


http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sequ...-afghanistan-war-casualties/story?id=18759274

 

[crashbb]

agreed.. the original point I was failing at making.. is simply ... it is not a perm solution.. and I am so sorry.
I think tone is a good portion of communication and lost in text on forums.. maybe adding some faces I guess..
and to be crystal clear, I don't think it is a good thing, I do not support it..I re-read my posts and I think they are coming off that I support them I don't.. and I also don't think 22 unpaid days, spread over 6 months, is the the same as perm. possible furlough, being threatened either..

I am so sorry and no lectures.

point 1 more time.. I don't think a perm furlough is a real solution was the point I orig started making. period.

No, I think the problem was the words you used (bolded below), not the lack of smilies.

I just cannot believe people actually put on paper, cutting 1 day a week from a bunch of staff members, is a reasonable solution to the financial problems. I am so sorry for those families effected by this. I did not feel to bad when it was initially for 22 days, I think most families can manage that. Being 3/4 day weekends every other week IMO for summer would be a God sent. . But a proposition to make semi- perm is not a solution. It is a joke. ... Only With people's lives.

I wish congress had to mirror there cost saving "measures", they are " fixing " the budget with. .. maybe even double the pay cut, until a real solution/ compromise came in play.

I am so sorry. No one deserves this crap.

 

[ssawka]

This is just shameful. While the arguing continues in DC ...guess who else they are sticking it to, now?

Sequestration Slashes Scholarships for Children of Iraq and Afghanistan War Casualties and Military Members


http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sequ...-afghanistan-war-casualties/story?id=18759274

There in lies the problem! While Congress can agree that government spending should be reduced, the problem is coming to a consensus on which programs should be cut. So instead of taking the time to prioritize expenditures, they do an across-the-board reduction saving them the time and emotional expenditure of looking closely at who is affected by such cuts.

 

[Zhoen]

Hi Guys,

I'll start by saying I have my flame-suit on... I've been active-duty for more than half of my lifespan... and still am. And I'm only speaking up on this because I refuse to let my brothers and sisters-in-arms be used as political pawns. I am not a high-ranking type and had no influence on these decisions, but I'm here to say that I DO support the suspension of TA.

YES. The services are suspending tuition assistance for the rest of the fiscal year. Why? Because the budgets have been slashed, and if you have to choose between bullets or books, the books lose. We have a mission to do, and if we have to use some of our GI Bill or pay more out-of-pocket for a while, I'd MUCH rather do that than worry that one of my friends downrange isn't getting the support s/he needs.

That said, the TA was slashed as a political move. It gets attention, and all these wives and mommies shouting to congress are playing right into "their" hands. The move by the department of Education is the same thing.

I'm rather sad to see the scholarships for the surviving children get hit, but not because money will bring back their lost parents... but because they lost their parents in the first place. I imagine that if you did some research, you'd find ALL the scholarships are getting hit, not just the war survivors'. This is politicking, pure and simple.

But I'm not at all upset to see TA *TEMPORARILY* suspended. The DoD can't AFFORD it! Think about your home budget. When you take a HUGE hit in your budget, you have to cut back somewhere... maybe you cancel the cable, or maybe you decide you don't need to send the kids to karate this spring... this is the same thing. Education is a HUGE force-multiplier. It increases critical-thinking and helps grow new leaders. Plus it sucks having to work with ignorant people... I'm alllllll for education. But if we have to choose between sending Private Jones to college or buying a little more duct tape to hold our 50-year-old-planes together a little longer... sorry, Private Jones, you still have your GI bill!

Did you know that since the inception of the "post 9-11 GI bill" the new recruits don't have to contribute a dime to that program? In the past we had to pony up $1200 ($100 a month out of your monthly paycheck for the first year ) to opt-in to the program. Now it's free and automatic. And did you know that TA used to be 75% ?

You can argue that I'm a crusty old-timer, and you'd be right. But please don't buy into any of this media spin. TA is not guaranteed in the contract, so they are not breaking any laws. Furthermore, this is not a permanent cancellation but a temporary suspension because nobody can afford it. It's probably not going to come back at 100%, but it will come back. It's too important a benefit to axe permanently.

Let's be clear. Sequestration is here, it's a done-deal that can only be undone by a new budget (or possibly a very strong CR, but it doesn't look likely.) If the services were forced to bring back the TA, that wouldn't give them more money in their budget, it would mean more cuts somewhere else. The services have to put their money where it counts the most. You pay your rent before you buy a luxury, don't you?

I think we'd all like to see the pork-barrel contracts trimmed down... but look up the meaning of the word "contract". Those can't just be cancelled-- the cancellation fees are as much as the contract... so where we NEED to cut is not where we can cut quickly. The sequestration is forcing *quick* cuts. Money that was promised for this year has been taken back... like someone voiding a check they'd written you. We have to get through this year first, and then hopefully they are looking at the long-term to get those contracts slimmed down... but those companies have lobbies and connections, etc.

So, in summary. Yes, everyone agrees we need to cut spending, no one agrees where. A better analogy I've heard is "No one wants to bring *THEIR* sacred-cow to the barbecue."

The temporary suspension of this very worthy and very valuable (to the mission, not just to the individual) benefit is one of MY sacred cows, and I am writing this to say that I support this sacrifice if it keeps the boats floating and the planes flying. I support the cancellation of performances by the flying teams and the field bands-- all important recruiting tools... We have a mission to do, and we have to prioritize our resources.

And yes, I've had long conversations with some of the young men and women directly affected by this. And I've told them to grow up. We were hired to defend this country, not to go to school.

Please think long and hard and consider all the real facts when debating this particular issue. I'd rather have toilet paper than a text book. I'd rather have a gas mask for my friend than a free class for someone stateside. If it's really their priority to go to school, this won't stop them.

My two cents, and in no way any reflection of any official policy of any gov't entity (I'm required to clarify that.)

 

[psimon]

Hi Guys,

I'll start by saying I have my flame-suit on... I've been active-duty for more than half of my lifespan... and still am. And I'm only speaking up on this because I refuse to let my brothers and sisters-in-arms be used as political pawns. I am not a high-ranking type and had no influence on these decisions, but I'm here to say that I DO support the suspension of TA.

YES. The services are suspending tuition assistance for the rest of the fiscal year. Why? Because the budgets have been slashed, and if you have to choose between bullets or books, the books lose. We have a mission to do, and if we have to use some of our GI Bill or pay more out-of-pocket for a while, I'd MUCH rather do that than worry that one of my friends downrange isn't getting the support s/he needs.

That said, the TA was slashed as a political move. It gets attention, and all these wives and mommies shouting to congress are playing right into "their" hands. The move by the department of Education is the same thing.

I'm rather sad to see the scholarships for the surviving children get hit, but not because money will bring back their lost parents... but because they lost their parents in the first place. I imagine that if you did some research, you'd find ALL the scholarships are getting hit, not just the war survivors'. This is politicking, pure and simple.

But I'm not at all upset to see TA *TEMPORARILY* suspended. The DoD can't AFFORD it! Think about your home budget. When you take a HUGE hit in your budget, you have to cut back somewhere... maybe you cancel the cable, or maybe you decide you don't need to send the kids to karate this spring... this is the same thing. Education is a HUGE force-multiplier. It increases critical-thinking and helps grow new leaders. Plus it sucks having to work with ignorant people... I'm alllllll for education. But if we have to choose between sending Private Jones to college or buying a little more duct tape to hold our 50-year-old-planes together a little longer... sorry, Private Jones, you still have your GI bill!

Did you know that since the inception of the "post 9-11 GI bill" the new recruits don't have to contribute a dime to that program? In the past we had to pony up $1200 ($100 a month out of your monthly paycheck for the first year ) to opt-in to the program. Now it's free and automatic. And did you know that TA used to be 75% ?

You can argue that I'm a crusty old-timer, and you'd be right. But please don't buy into any of this media spin. TA is not guaranteed in the contract, so they are not breaking any laws. Furthermore, this is not a permanent cancellation but a temporary suspension because nobody can afford it. It's probably not going to come back at 100%, but it will come back. It's too important a benefit to axe permanently.

Let's be clear. Sequestration is here, it's a done-deal that can only be undone by a new budget (or possibly a very strong CR, but it doesn't look likely.) If the services were forced to bring back the TA, that wouldn't give them more money in their budget, it would mean more cuts somewhere else. The services have to put their money where it counts the most. You pay your rent before you buy a luxury, don't you?

I think we'd all like to see the pork-barrel contracts trimmed down... but look up the meaning of the word "contract". Those can't just be cancelled-- the cancellation fees are as much as the contract... so where we NEED to cut is not where we can cut quickly. The sequestration is forcing *quick* cuts. Money that was promised for this year has been taken back... like someone voiding a check they'd written you. We have to get through this year first, and then hopefully they are looking at the long-term to get those contracts slimmed down... but those companies have lobbies and connections, etc.

So, in summary. Yes, everyone agrees we need to cut spending, no one agrees where. A better analogy I've heard is "No one wants to bring *THEIR* sacred-cow to the barbecue."

The temporary suspension of this very worthy and very valuable (to the mission, not just to the individual) benefit is one of MY sacred cows, and I am writing this to say that I support this sacrifice if it keeps the boats floating and the planes flying. I support the cancellation of performances by the flying teams and the field bands-- all important recruiting tools... We have a mission to do, and we have to prioritize our resources.

And yes, I've had long conversations with some of the young men and women directly affected by this. And I've told them to grow up. We were hired to defend this country, not to go to school.

Please think long and hard and consider all the real facts when debating this particular issue. I'd rather have toilet paper than a text book. I'd rather have a gas mask for my friend than a free class for someone stateside. If it's really their priority to go to school, this won't stop them.

My two cents, and in no way any reflection of any official policy of any gov't entity (I'm required to clarify that.)

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[Jasonkat]

I think the last time the country actually had a budget was FY 2008? Or FY2007? They've enacted continuing resolutions since then.

The last budget was passed in 2009. The Democrats had control of all three chambers (House, Senate, Presidency). They added the "stimulus" to the budget and increased the budget by 800 billion above the last Bush-signed budget (last Bush budget 2007-2008 roughly 2.7 Trillion, first Obama budget 2008-2009 roughly 3.5 Trillion). Since that time there have been Continuing Resolutions passed at this 3.5 Trillion level + inflation increases.

Most people believe there was only 1 stimulus for 800 billion when in fact there have been 4 stimulus' so far (1 per year since 2009.)

This year both the House and Senate will pass a budget, but neither will become law and a Continuing Resolution will be passed to fund the gov't.

 

[madge]

the CR that the Senate passed today reinstates tuition assistance.

Hi Guys,

I'll start by saying I have my flame-suit on... I've been active-duty for more than half of my lifespan... and still am. And I'm only speaking up on this because I refuse to let my brothers and sisters-in-arms be used as political pawns. I am not a high-ranking type and had no influence on these decisions, but I'm here to say that I DO support the suspension of TA.

YES. The services are suspending tuition assistance for the rest of the fiscal year. Why? Because the budgets have been slashed, and if you have to choose between bullets or books, the books lose. We have a mission to do, and if we have to use some of our GI Bill or pay more out-of-pocket for a while, I'd MUCH rather do that than worry that one of my friends downrange isn't getting the support s/he needs.

That said, the TA was slashed as a political move. It gets attention, and all these wives and mommies shouting to congress are playing right into "their" hands. The move by the department of Education is the same thing.

I'm rather sad to see the scholarships for the surviving children get hit, but not because money will bring back their lost parents... but because they lost their parents in the first place. I imagine that if you did some research, you'd find ALL the scholarships are getting hit, not just the war survivors'. This is politicking, pure and simple.

But I'm not at all upset to see TA *TEMPORARILY* suspended. The DoD can't AFFORD it! Think about your home budget. When you take a HUGE hit in your budget, you have to cut back somewhere... maybe you cancel the cable, or maybe you decide you don't need to send the kids to karate this spring... this is the same thing. Education is a HUGE force-multiplier. It increases critical-thinking and helps grow new leaders. Plus it sucks having to work with ignorant people... I'm alllllll for education. But if we have to choose between sending Private Jones to college or buying a little more duct tape to hold our 50-year-old-planes together a little longer... sorry, Private Jones, you still have your GI bill!

Did you know that since the inception of the "post 9-11 GI bill" the new recruits don't have to contribute a dime to that program? In the past we had to pony up $1200 ($100 a month out of your monthly paycheck for the first year ) to opt-in to the program. Now it's free and automatic. And did you know that TA used to be 75% ?

You can argue that I'm a crusty old-timer, and you'd be right. But please don't buy into any of this media spin. TA is not guaranteed in the contract, so they are not breaking any laws. Furthermore, this is not a permanent cancellation but a temporary suspension because nobody can afford it. It's probably not going to come back at 100%, but it will come back. It's too important a benefit to axe permanently.

Let's be clear. Sequestration is here, it's a done-deal that can only be undone by a new budget (or possibly a very strong CR, but it doesn't look likely.) If the services were forced to bring back the TA, that wouldn't give them more money in their budget, it would mean more cuts somewhere else. The services have to put their money where it counts the most. You pay your rent before you buy a luxury, don't you?

I think we'd all like to see the pork-barrel contracts trimmed down... but look up the meaning of the word "contract". Those can't just be cancelled-- the cancellation fees are as much as the contract... so where we NEED to cut is not where we can cut quickly. The sequestration is forcing *quick* cuts. Money that was promised for this year has been taken back... like someone voiding a check they'd written you. We have to get through this year first, and then hopefully they are looking at the long-term to get those contracts slimmed down... but those companies have lobbies and connections, etc.

So, in summary. Yes, everyone agrees we need to cut spending, no one agrees where. A better analogy I've heard is "No one wants to bring *THEIR* sacred-cow to the barbecue."

The temporary suspension of this very worthy and very valuable (to the mission, not just to the individual) benefit is one of MY sacred cows, and I am writing this to say that I support this sacrifice if it keeps the boats floating and the planes flying. I support the cancellation of performances by the flying teams and the field bands-- all important recruiting tools... We have a mission to do, and we have to prioritize our resources.

And yes, I've had long conversations with some of the young men and women directly affected by this. And I've told them to grow up. We were hired to defend this country, not to go to school.

Please think long and hard and consider all the real facts when debating this particular issue. I'd rather have toilet paper than a text book. I'd rather have a gas mask for my friend than a free class for someone stateside. If it's really their priority to go to school, this won't stop them.

My two cents, and in no way any reflection of any official policy of any gov't entity (I'm required to clarify that.)

 

[lucigo]

If education is so important.....then perhaps they shouldn't be furloughing DOD military instructors.

 

[smitch425]

DH was told today that the furlough letters are being delayed by two weeks so that everyone can review the newly passed budget. They are hoping to be able to let departments move money around and find cuts to try to avoid (or maybe just lessen) the furloughing.

Has anyone else heard anything similar?

 

[afnaechiquita]

DH was told today that the furlough letters are being delayed by two weeks so that everyone can review the newly passed budget. They are hoping to be able to let departments move money around and find cuts to try to avoid (or maybe just lessen) the furloughing.

Has anyone else heard anything similar?

Not furloughs specifically, but I have heard that several things are in limbo because they're waiting on the budget, and I assume how many days for furlough is part of that.