Just before the federal government was scheduled to shut down, a deal was struck to keep the government “open for business”, while implementing a spending package that has been described as “historic”. I applaud the Herculean efforts of President Obama, House Speaker Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Reid and staff members in getting a deal done before the shutdown deadline.
I have to admit I have mixed emotions. On one hand, I’m happy for the hundreds of thousands of federal workers that would have been furloughed during a shutdown, including many of my colleagues. Talk that a prolonged government shutdown would have hindered the country’s economic recovery has been put on the shelf. Services that many people rely on for everyday survival will continue (I hope!).
On the other hand, I’m cautious because as of the writing of this blog entry, few details of the spending plan have been made public. What programs are included in the $38 billion “cut” package? Who will bear the burden of these reductions? Will the economic recovery of those who are most in need be hindered? How will the faith-based and non-profit communities be affected?
As we’ve all heard before, the “devil’s in the details”. Oh, by the way, these discussions are only the beginning – negotiations on raising the debt ceiling and the 2012 federal budget loom just around the corner. It will continue to be interesting times – stay tuned!
Be strong and be blessed!
Tragedy averted…maybe, I would substitute maybe with…NOT! I appreciate you putting this out here.