What Richmonders can expect as the government reopens
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As the government starts churning again after a historically long shutdown, questions remain about how quickly Richmond can get back to normal.
Why it matters: Lingering delays are expected for everything from flights to paychecks.
Catch up quick: The 43-day shutdown limited food assistance, left thousands of local federal workers unpaid and contributed to widespread delays and cancellations at Richmond's airport.
- City officials had also warned that millions of dollars in federal aid could soon dry up and jeopardize programs that help more than 100,000 residents if the shutdown had dragged on longer.
Zoom in: The deal funds the government through Jan. 30, reverses federal layoffs made after Oct. 1 and guarantees back pay for those who worked through the shutdown.
- But it failed to include Democrats' top demand: extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits that keep marketplace premiums low.
- It only secures a vote on them later this year.
- That means nearly 400,000 Virginians could see their coverage costs soar next year if Congress votes to let those federal subsidies expire.
What to expect for now:
💰 Paychecks
Virginia's 350,000 federal workers, including thousands in metro Richmond, could start getting checks Saturday, an Office of Management and Budget spokesperson tells Axios.
- All should be paid by Nov. 19, but timing and pay amounts vary by agency, per the spokesperson.
🛒 SNAP benefits
Virginia ended its temporary food aid program as federal SNAP benefits resume.
- Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office told WTVR that SNAP recipients began receiving 65% of their payments on Thursday.
✈️ Flight delays
It could take days or longer for airlines to rebuild schedules after weeks of unpaid work and staff shortages — which could mean more delays.
- But FlightAware data shows Richmond's airport is already having far fewer delays and cancellations than it did on Monday, when it hit 89 delays and 25 cancellations.
What we're watching: The government is funded only through January, setting up another potential funding fight — and another round of uncertainty for Richmonders who depend on federal programs.
Axios D.C.'s Mimi Montgomery and Anna Spiegel contributed to this report.