Nurse warns of devastating impact of government shutdown on services

As the U.S. government faces a potential shutdown, concerns are mounting at the Springfield Hospital Center in Carroll County, Maryland. Jenny Reese, a licensed practical nurse at the facility, warns that such a shutdown could severely impact both her colleagues and the patients they serve.

Springfield Hospital Center is a rural psychiatric institution focused on treating individuals navigating the judicial system. "We've already seen our first layoffs from county cuts," says Reese, who leads Local 539 of the AFSCME Maryland Council 3. "Looming federal cuts could be devastating. We're going to be fighting to save people's jobs but also to preserve the vital services that we provide to our communities."

Public service workers like Reese are already under pressure following the enactment of a new tax bill this summer, described as a "Big Beautiful Bill," which offers substantial tax breaks to billionaires and large corporations. Reese criticizes the bill, stating, "Billionaires don't need those cuts. The hardworking people whose blood, sweat, and tears go toward their job, who provide for their families, living paycheck to paycheck — they weren't granted any of those cuts."

Even before the threat of a shutdown, Reese highlighted that staffing levels were already inadequate, posing daily risks to workers. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes their dedication: "We don't meet minimum staffing ratios. Every day we face potential job hazards, but we still go to work. Someone has to do it, and we're passionate about what we do."

The hospital, which relies on Medicaid funding, faces additional challenges as a government shutdown would halt this crucial funding source. Medicaid cuts from the tax legislation further threaten the affordability of essential medications for patients. More information on how hospital funding could be affected can be found here.

Furthermore, Congress's inaction on extending premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act means that many of Reese's colleagues might struggle to afford health care, as premiums could rise by as much as 114%. According to Reese, this will result in skyrocketing health care costs for everyone involved. More details on the potential impacts on health care premiums are available here.

Reese is calling for Congress to shift its focus from benefiting billionaires to ensuring funding for essential public services and reducing health care costs.