DALLAS — The federal government shutdown that began at midnight will impact North Texas, where more than 51,000 federal employees live and work.

Many of them face furloughs, while others deemed “essential” will continue on the job without pay until lawmakers in Washington reach an agreement.

“Depending on the length of a shutdown, it can be incredibly challenging to miss a paycheck or two—or longer,” said Justin Chen, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents about 5,000 Environmental Protection Agency workers.

Chen said while EPA employees are not furloughed as of Wednesday, he is preparing for the possibility. In the meantime, he warned, shutdowns cause the EPA to be reactive during emergencies rather than proactive.

“All of the job

See Full Page