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Potential Federal Shutdown Would Hurt Virginia Economy, Leaders Say

By: Jonathan Wilson // April 6, 2011
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Rep. Jim Moran (D), who represents Arlington, Alexandria, and parts of Fairfax County, says a government shutdown would be simply devastating for Northern Virginia's economy.

"I don't think you can overstate the impact that this is going to have on Northern Virginia collectively," Moran says.

Moran says after the last government shutdown, most federal workers received backpay for the 21 days they were out -- he's not confident that will happen this time around.

Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity says this is the one time the local economy's heavy reliance on federal contracting could be a bad thing.

"We escaped the great recession because of our reliance on it," Herrity says. "We may be paying the piper now."

Moran has called an emergency town hall meeting to discuss the effects of a shutdown Thursday night.

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