PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Uncertainty for military service members and their families during the government shutdown is causing nonprofits and lawmakers to step up to provide some relief.
5 takeaways as a government shutdown begins
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society estimated that 2.1 million military personnel could go without pay during the shutdown.
“This uncertainty certainly adds to the stress that already exists with being a military service member and a family member,” said Retired Navy Rear Adm. Dawn Cutler, executive vice president and chief operations officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society helps service members in need
She explained the main ways that military families can prepare during this time are to put off any unnecessary purchases and to have the necessary conversations now.
“We’re encouraging them to contact their landlords and let them know, ‘Hey, we are in this government shutdown. My pay has been impacted. Can we negotiate or what? What do you offer for your tenants who are going through this?’ We are also encouraging them to contact their other creditors and say the same thing,” Cutler said…