Veterans Affairs Workers in Maine Put on Furlough

Nearly 40 employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Maine have been furloughed due to the federal government shutdown.  The Maine workers are among nearly 9,800 VA employees that were furloughed nationwide on Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s office said this includes people who work in human resources or analyze business processes. Employees who process veteran’s benefits claims will remain working.

Regional Veterans Benefits Administration offices—including the one at Togus, outside Augusta—are closed but VA offices that provide medical care will remain open.

Rep. Chellie Pingree said the federal government shutdown has already slowed down the disability claims process for veterans and an extended shutdown could mean delays in disability payments.