Federal government shutdowns. The words are meant to stoke fear in the average American. They represent a concerning but largely avoidable annual tradition of political brinksmanship between the two major U.S. political parties. Threatening a government shutdown is often used as a negotiation tactic to push the political priorities of a single party, who are quick to blame the opposition for their lack of cooperation if any shutdown should occur.  

What Is a Government Shutdown? 

The federal government is funded to operate in annual increments, and each year Congress must agree on a budget and pass 12 appropriations bills to keep it running. Any “nonessential” government functions stop unless Congress enacts those bills by September 30—the end of the fiscal year. If they aren’t enacted, nonessential government offices, national parks, and monuments may close; federal workers may be furloughed; and some corresponding services may be suspended.  

Even if some of the 12 appropriations bills are passed, however, partial shutdowns are still possible. Essential government employees must continue to work without pay during partial or total shutdowns. This is obviously problematic for them, because like anyone else, they need to continue to pay for their mortgages, childcare, utilities, groceries, and other common expenses. 

Has It Ever Happened? 

Four federal government shutdowns of different lengths have occurred under three different presidential administrations since the mid-1990s. No significant disasters have resulted from these shutdowns, but some problems and inconveniences certainly did. During the shutdown spanning late 2018 and early 2019, security lines at airports swelled as unpaid TSA agents called out sick in record numbers. Terminals at some major airports even closed. 

When government shutdowns happen (or even simply loom), politics is often at the center. Fortunately, outside of the political realm, responsible management of budgets and finances can be far less contentious, and financial management can even become the focus of a rewarding career. 

Responsible Financial Management Begins With an MBA 

If keeping a close eye on financials is a critical part of your chosen career, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online MBA program is a good place to hone your expertise. In courses including Financial Management, Corporate Finance & Strategy, and International Finance, you’ll discover how business organizations operate from a prudent financial perspective. 

Why UTPB’s online MBA program makes good financial sense for you: 

  • We have some of the most affordable tuition rates among accredited universities of our stature. 
  • U.S. News & World Report ranks us among its Best Value Schools for 2024. 
  • Master’s degree holders aged 25 or older have median earnings about 16% higher—more than $12,000 annually—than those who hold a bachelor’s degree alone.  
  • Online learning enables students to save on commuting costs while earning a degree on a flexible schedule from anywhere in the world. 

UTPB’s accolades speak to the quality of our education: 

  • Our MBA program is AACSB-accredited, an honor shared by only 5% of business programs worldwide. 
  • We’re a proud part of the renowned UT System, a distinction that can stand out on a resume. 

U.S. News & World Report has named us among the: 

  • Best Regional Universities West (2024) 
  • Top Public Schools (2024) 
  • Top Performers on Social Mobility (2024) 

Want to know more? See the major corporations where our MBA graduates are working now and explore your post-graduate earning potential.  

Ready to get started? Apply today. 

Sources: 
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-is-a-government-shutdown-and-why-are-we-likely-to-have-another-one/
https://money.com/tsa-employees-government-shutdown/
https://ourpublicservice.org/blog/a-government-shutdown-would-threaten-air-travel-and-safety/