EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The effects of the federal government shutdown are stretching far beyond Washington, D.C., and are being felt right here in El Paso — especially near Fort Bliss.
At Suki’s Hot Cuts, a locally owned barbershop off Fred Wilson Avenue and U.S. 54 in Northeast El Paso, barbers say they’ve seen a steep drop in business since the shutdown began. Many of their regular customers are soldiers, and with uncertainty surrounding federal pay, fewer have been coming in for haircuts.
“Sometimes you get them and they don’t leave a tip,” said stylist Sofia Provencio. “Obviously you’re working for money, but sometimes you wish, you know, you’re doing such a good job that maybe you’ll get a dollar or two. You’re not getting that anymore because they’re worried about how they’re going to pay rent.”…