The union for employees at the Environmental Protection Agency Region Five in Chicago says they've begun getting furlough notices.
"Today, EPA workers in Region 5 began receiving furlough notices-halting work at the agency that protects the American people from toxic pollution," American Federation of Government Employees Local 704 President Nicole Cantello said. "This is the latest blow to the EPA and its mission to protect public health and the environment. With cuts to staffing, science and critical programs already implemented, EPA was suffering from a severe shortage of resources. Coupled with the Administration's rollbacks to protections to air, water and land, the Agency is facing severe challenges to its ability to protect the public. Donald Trump and the
Republicans control the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is time for them to use their unprecedented power to forge a deal to fully fund the government and get us back to work."