SCRANTON – About a dozen activists gathered on Scranton’s Courthouse Square, fed up with now what is week three of the federal government shutdown. On Tuesday, they worked to have their voices heard in Lackawanna County and across the state.
Activists took to the streets of Scranton with a simple message for government leaders: stop the federal government shutdown.
"There are too many people in our country and our community who are being negatively impacted by a government shutdown so we need to express ourselves," said Organizing for Action member Maureen Gray.
Armed with signs, organizing political activists demonstrated on Scranton’s Courthouse Square and in 19 other areas across the state, saying they’ve had enough.
"They want to play the game of let's just throw a tantrum. Let's just hold our breath until we turn blue in the face and let's just defund, shutdown the government," said Organizing for Action member Roe Hume.
The message was marched up to Senator Toomey’s office, but because of the very reason for the rally, the government office was closed.
Many people in Scranton say they can agree with the rally being held downtown and are frustrated with the government shutdown and hope that it doesn't last much longer.
"I don't know what they're doing. It's bad, it's very bad for the people and if they keep up like this our children aren't going to have any benefits,” said Samuel Ryan of Scranton.
Ryan is a Navy veteran who lives downtown and is worried what may happen to his social security and veterans benefits if this shutdown continues.
"I mean, why don't they just get in there and work for the people and forget about Democrat and Republican?” Ryan asked.
Joan Davis teaches school in Clarks Summit and is frustrated with how the shutdown has affected kids.
"More people are struggling, Head Start programs are being closed, where is our concern for our children? The children are getting hurt,” said Joan Davis of Clarks Summit.
Now these activists and many others hope lawmakers hear this plea.
"Do your job, we elected you do your job,” said Ryan.
If an agreement isn’t reached to end the government shutdown soon and raise the debt ceiling, the U.S. is also in danger of default.