Federal shutdown sidelines 34,000 workers in Colorado
As the federal government enters its fourth week of a shutdown, an estimated 34,000 Coloradans are currently on furlough from their federal jobs.
That’s according to a new report from SmartAsset, which ranked Colorado 12th nationally for its percentage of the state’s total population currently furloughed.
With an estimated 33,707 employees furloughed, that makes up 0.57% of the Centennial State’s population.
In total, Colorado has over 50,000 federal employees. As previously reported by The Center Square, the state has taken steps to assist those employees.
While not all of those employees are impacted by the shutdown, many are furloughed. That means they are temporarily not working or getting paid.
In contrast to Colorado, Connecticut ranked 50th nationally in the report with just 0.07% of its population furloughed. Maryland saw the biggest impact of any state, with 1.65% of its population furloughed.
Washington, D.C., with a population of 700,000, blew out all the states with nearly 20% of its population currently estimated furloughed.
Throughout the nation, an estimated 700,000 federal employees are currently on furlough. Many of those have already missed their first paycheck since the shutdown began.
For Republicans and Democrats, both in Colorado and nationally, the shutdown is largely a battle of different narratives with both sides pointing blame.
“Republicans hold 53 Senate seats. This means we need at least seven Democrats to join with @SenateGOP to reopen the government — but they refuse. The takeaway? This is a Democrat Shutdown,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colorado.
Evans is referring to the 60-vote requirement to pass a budget and end the government shutdown.
On the other side of the aisle, Colorado Democrats are standing united in voting against both the full budget and the Republican-proposed continuing resolution bill, which would temporarily fund the government. Yet Democrats maintain it is a Republican shutdown.
“Republicans control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Republicans control this shutdown,” said U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado.
Latest News Stories

Poll: Majority of Americans do not support National Guard to deter crime

‘Legal minefield:’ Biometrics reforms needed to keep IL tech biz growing

Warriors Fall to Olney 28-27 in Heartbreaking Battle for Little Illini Title

As military branches celebrate 250 years, Democrats vote against paying them

Chicago transit violent crime at 7 year high, funding concerns persist

WATCH: National Guard case before SCOTUS; Trump insists China soybean deal coming

Illinois quick hits: Harvey furloughs some employees; lead poisoning prevention continues

Illinois quick hits: Filings made to SCOTUS in National Guard case; Chicago sued DHS

Colorado Dems seek restoration of $600M in federal funds

Senate Democrats block bill to end government shutdown for 11th time

WATCH: Eric Trump talks about his book at Reagan Library

IL State rep: Grants are paying off in effort to combat auto thefts, carjackings
