Colorado Bails Out the Federal Government?
It looks like a beautiful Saturday here in Southwest Colorado. I think we’ll be visiting the pumpkin patch today and putting out our Halloween decorations. The mountains that we can see from our house have a nice coating of snow from a storm over the last couple of days, and that’s always pretty to look at. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of mountain views.
Speaking of mountains, I found it interesting that the state of Colorado shelled out $362,000 to the federal government this week to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park for ten days. The governor vows to keep it open until the US government shutdown is over. Several other states followed suit, essentially bailing out the federal government to open popular tourist attractions.
Fall is a huge tourist time in Colorado because of the fall color, and it’s elk bugling season! The little town that borders Rocky Mountain National Park is called Estes Park. You may be familiar with Estes Park because it is home to the Stanley Hotel, which played the part of the Overlook Hotel where Jack Nicholson lost his marbles in The Shining.
I’ve been to Estes Park, and it’s a great town. It was also hit hard by the recent floods in Colorado. Two days after the park reopened after the flooding, the government shut down. It was estimated in the article I read that the estimated 70% loss of visitors would result in the loss of over 1,100 jobs and about $90 million in spending at Estes Park. These folks are not going to get back pay from the government or a recall to their job when this mess is over. Those are the true victims of a government shutdown, and I think politicians should be tarred and feathered.
On a lighter note, I hope to see lots of you at Fincon this week. I am excited and nervous. I am such a small cog in the online wheel, and there are some really big time people who will be at this meeting. I think there will be lots to learn!
Giveaway
Don’t forget to enter for your share of $660 in Halloween cash. You could buy lots of pumpkins with that much money!
Mentions
Thanks to these fine bloggers who mentioned me this week. Elk bugles to you all!
The Frugal Farmer
Money Smart Guides
Carnivals
Lifestyle Carnival-October 6
The Carnival of Financial Independence-Party On Edition
20/20 Posts of the Week
I’ll devote three of my 20/20 posts to the government shutdown this week. It seems no one thinks it’s a good idea. Go figure!
Dear Government-Grow Up! at Debt Roundup
If a Government Shutdown Causes an Economic Crisis, Will You Be Ready? at Frugal Rules
The Government Shutdown and the Extreme Importance of Emergency Funds at Budget Blonde
Our Nightmare on Rental Street: Evicting a Tenant at Luke 1428
Pay to Pee? at Student Debt Survivor. That one isn’t government or eviction related, but I figure you need a laugh by now.
Have you gotten your pumpkin yet? Ever heard an elk bugle? Should the states bail out Washington? Should we secede from the union? Anything else on your mind?
Written By
The government standoff is hurting this country’s credit and reputation. Without taking sides, I am in favor of negotiation between the political parties. It should have occurred between the last standoff and now.
No kidding. I think it’s all for drama and they will act like heroes when they make a deal right before the default deadline. Somehow, I don’t think anyone sees them as heroes at this point.