What the Government Closedown Means to the Economy

government shutdownLast week the majority staff of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation published a report which detailed the many ways the government shutdown has affected our economy. Here are some of the highlights from that report:

•    Every port inspector from the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been furloughed, meaning that they are not working now, but as soon as the stalemate in Congress is resolved they will have their regular jobs back and will be entitled to back-pay. With the inspectors not working products such as children’s toys or pajamas will not be inspected for either lead or flammability. During the first six months of 2012 CPSC inspectors stopped over 1 million unsafe products from making their way to American retail stores.

•    The delivery of general aviation aircraft could not be delivered on-time. The cost of the non-deliverability of the 142 aircraft, including crop dusters, smaller planes for private use and corporate jets cost the economy about $1.5 billion.

•    Automobile safety defect inspectors have also been suspended indefinitely by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While on furlough inspectors will not be able to investigate alleged defects in Nissan transmission; fires in the passenger seats of Jeep Grand Cherokee cars and some braking issues on Honda minivans.

Alyssa Anderson

Alyssa Anderson has been involved in the world of business on several levels for many years. She was the CEO of a start-up high-tech company until its purchase by a global on-line e-business. Alyssa helped formulate marketing strategies for several other companies as an independent consultant, and she has advised local government on methods to achieve appropriate fiscal responsibility. Her opinions are well known through her many editorials which have been published throughout her career in a variety of local and national print media. She has been heard on radio discussing current issues affecting the business community and Alyssa hopes to bring her special brand of commonsense coupled with uncanny insight into her editorial responsibilities as the Business Page editor for Left Justified. Contact Alyssa at alyssa(at)leftjustified.com.

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