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Government shutdown could impact Colorado

Posted at 6:25 PM, Aug 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-23 21:01:06-04

DENVER -- Amid a threat of a government shutdown by President Trump, it’s clear such a move would have an impact on Colorado’s workforce. 

The threat by the president came during a searing speech during a rally in Phoenix, Ariz., in which he blamed the media for worldwide condemnation to his response following the events in Charlottesville, Va., as well as some Republicans for not passing repeal and replace legislation for Obamacare. 

Data from the Colorado Department of Labor shows roughly 40,0000 federal workers in the state could be eligible to file for unemployment.

Such a move could touch everyday life in Colorado.  

In October 2013, a government shutdown forced about 280 of the 400 civilians working with the space wing at Buckley Air Force base to go on furlough. The fitness center and the commissary where military members and their families can shop tax free was also closed.

Rocky Mountain National Park could also be stung in a shutdown.

The natural treasure was closed for more than a week in 2013. It was reopened using money from the state.

“The notion of shutting down the federal government when policy decisions don’t go one’s way is inconceivable. We will be prepared should there be any kind of temporary shutdown that harms Colorado citizens or impacts critical services,” said Colorado governor John Hickenlooper.

"There is no question that we have to secure our borders, but we also have a responsibility to keep the government open to serve the American people,” said Republican representative Mike Coffman.

Denver7 also reached out to Republican senator Cory Gardner and Republican representative Ken Buck for a response, but we have yet to receive one.