Congressman visits Pike County to speak on government shutdown

Congressman Shomari Figures travelled to Alabama last week to speak with residents of District 2 about the government shutdown. One of his stops included Pike County, where many anticipatory citizens gathered in a new school building to meet him.  

Troy students and locals alike attended the event. 

Kathryn Clark Photo

Pike County residents listen to COngressman Figures speak.

“It was really enlightening just to be able to come and engage in this experience,” said Jayden McQueen, a senior political science major from Crestview, Florida, and vice president of Troy College Democrats.  

McQueen had the unique opportunity to ask Rep. Figures a question on behalf of the student body. 

“I was actually really nervous,” McQueen said. “There's a ton of people here, and I was nervous if I would get the chance to ask my question.  

“So, just being able to ask, not only how he is coming to the table to meet the needs of our community, but also what advice he can give to young people to empower them to be engaged in civic life, was really great.” 

Figures urged students to be aware of what is happening not only in the national government, but also on local levels. 

“Decisions are being made every day at every level of government that impact you,” Figures said. “If you're not paying attention, you’re letting someone else shape your future.  

“If you care about your cost of living, your rights or your neighborhood, then you’ve got to stay locked in at all levels. Knowledge is power, and in this country, power listens to those who show up and make their voices heard.” 

Figures also encouraged students to be there for others whose families may be impacted by the shutdown. 

“First, just check on each other,” Figures said. “A little support, even just listening, goes a long way.  

“Second, get involved locally. Whether it's volunteering at a food bank or helping with a campus drive, small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.” 

During the event, Figures said the biggest impact of the shutdown is the loss of healthcare in many areas. Aside from this, he said uncertainty looms the most. 

“People are not receiving paychecks, and there's a lot of uncertainty, especially for federal workers and contractors who don’t know how long they’ll be expected to work without a check,” Figures said. “That stress is real. 

 “For families relying on federal support, that kind of disruption is more than an inconvenience, it’s a serious hardship. For those of you with family in government jobs, I see you.  

“Whether they work in schools, the post office, the military or federal agencies, their work matters. They deserve job security, fair pay and respect.  

“I’m doing my part to make sure they get it.” 

According to Figures, some essential programs are still running. This includes Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and veterans' health care.  

SNAP and student loan services like Pell Grants and FAFSA processing are still active for now. The military is operating, and the postal service is delivering mail.  

However, it is unclear if these essential workers will get back paid once the shutdown ends. 

“It’s not just about politics in D.C.,” Figures said. “It’s about the people who get caught in the middle while the folks in charge play games with real lives.  

“I don’t represent Washington in Alabama. I represent Alabama in Washington, and I don’t take that lightly.” 

As far as how the shutdown might affect the university, Figures said the problem lies in funding support. 

“A government shutdown might not shut everything down overnight, but they can create real problems for public institutions like Troy Universitythat rely on federal funding support for things like financial aid, research funding and student services,” Figures said.

“That is why it is imperative that my Republican colleagues join us in getting the government back open and working for the American people.” 

Lastly, the congressman wants students to know they aren’t alone during this time of uncertainty. 

“Stay informed, stay involved and keep pushing forward,” Figures said. “Your voice matters more than you know, and together you can make realchange both here at Troy and beyond.  

“Keep in touch. We’re here to assist you.  

“You’re not in this alone.”  

You can sign up for Figures’ newsletter here, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter), and reach out to any of his offices if you have questions or need assistance: 

• Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-4931 

•  Mobile Office: (251) 283-6280 

• Montgomery Office: (202) 225-4931 

Benefits & Payments  

·         Social Security Administration (SSA): ssa.gov — For Social Security and SSI questions and services.  

·         Medicare & Medicaid: medicare.gov — Information on healthcare benefits during the shutdown.  

Veterans Services  

·         Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): va.gov — Access to VA medical facilities and benefits; note some phone services and regional offices may be closed during the shutdown.  

Military & Federal Employees  

·         Defense.gov: defense.gov — Updates for military personnel and federal retirees.  

·         Office of Personnel Management (OPM): opm.gov — Information on federal employee status, furloughs, and pay.  

Housing & Small Business  

·         Federal Housing Administration (FHA): hud.gov — For housing loan status and assistance programs.  

·         U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing: rd.usda.gov — Information on rural housing loans and grants.  

·         Small Business Administration (SBA): sba.gov — Updates on loan programs and disaster assistance.  

Disaster Relief & Emergency Services  

·         Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): fema.gov — Emergency response updates and disaster assistance.  

Food Safety & Agriculture  

·         Food and Drug Administration (FDA): fda.gov — Food safety updates and alerts.  

·         U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety: usda.gov — Meat, poultry, and food inspection information.  

Transportation & Postal Services  

·         U.S. Postal Service (USPS): usps.com — Mail delivery continues during the shutdown.  

·    Transportation Security Administration (TSA): tsa.gov — Airport security updates.