Government Shutdown Starting To Hurt Families Living in Guilford

GUILFORD, CT - The now three-week old closing down off the federal government because of the standoff between President Donald Trump and Democrats over funding for a border wall is starting to have an impact on Guilford families who work for the government.

Guilford officials heard as much at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting.

Bob Howard, of 89 Valley Shore Drive, told the selectmen that there are a dozen Coast Guard families living in Guilford.

"Beacuse of the government their salaries have stopped, but the expenses have not," Howard told the selectmen. "They have mortgages, fuel costs and taxes due at the end of month."

He told the selectmen that the Coast Guard workers are still on the job so they can't go work somewhere else to pay the bills.

He questioned Guilford officials whether the town can take some measures: such as not charging them interest on their latest taxes and whether the town can offer any help with fuel assistance programs.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said the town's Social Services Department may be of assistance when it comes to fuel assistance.

But when it comes to tax assistance, he said while he would check it out it might set a dangerous precedence to start with one group of individuals even though they are in a difficult situation.

Nevertheless, Hoey said he would look into what possibly could be done.