Washington, DC—The United States Conference of Mayors President and Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin released the following statement on the federal government shutdown:

“As the government shutdown stretches into its third week, the nation’s mayors urge Washington to end this crisis and prioritize instead the economic security of all Americans, the majority of whom live in cities.  No one wins when the federal government shuts down and there is no reason our citizens should have to pay the price while Washington remains mired in a political dispute.

“Make no mistake, the impact of a prolonged shutdown will be felt on the local level in significant ways.  The lack of federal funds will effect public safety, road repair, housing and other essential services.  Without a doubt, our residents, particularly the most vulnerable among us, will suffer, and our local economies, which play a critical role in fueling the national economy, will be in jeopardy.

“Every day, mayors across this country put aside their partisan differences and find common ground on even the most difficult of issues. We do not have the luxury of turning our backs on our residents.  It’s time for Washington to take a page out of our playbook.

“We call on Washington to resolve this crisis immediately and work with us to address the real needs of the American people.”