Gov Shutdown Continues; Sports Games

Good morning, Commack. Here's a look at what's happening today in town.

Day Two of Government Shutdown
The government shutdown continues today, as numerous Long Island Federal employees are are furloughed.

Here are a few ways in which the shutdown may affect Commack residents:

• Small business loans: SBA will stop approving applications for small businesses to obtain loans and loan guarantees to hire and expand their businesses.  In a typical month, SBA approves over $1 billion in loan assistance to small businesses.
• Benefit Payments: Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out.
  
• Home loans: Many low-to-moderate income borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays during the shutdown. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of home mortgages, will not underwrite or approve any new loans during the shutdown.
  
• Taxes: Americans will still have to pay their taxes and file federal tax returns, but the IRS says it will suspend all audits and shut down taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines.