Even if you're not a federal employee, a partial government shutdown could affect you in many ways.

Here are some examples:

Schools 
- Head Start grants that expire on Oct. 1 would not be renewed.
- 94 percent of U.S. Department of Education employees would be furloughed.
- School grants and loans, such as Pell grants and direct student loans would "continue as normal," officials say, but payment of money could be delayed.
- Colleges and schools that receive federal funding would also experience delays.

Federal loans
- A government shutdown would freeze all federal loans.
- Businesses and home buyers would not be able to take out loans.

Social Security
- Payments would continue but could be delayed, and the administration would continue taking payment applications.
- Medicare and Medicaid services would continue.

The Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority held a special called meeting. The meeting was planned and announced last week at the regularly scheduled meeting. Last week's meeting came on the heels of the Development Authority removing Eddie Driggers and Jack Burnham as their delegates to the Airport Authority. Driggers served as the Chairman of the Airport Authority prior to the action.

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman John Clements. Member Terry Niblett led the board in prayer.

The first order of business was to elect a new Chairman to replace Eddie Driggers. Bobby Slye questioned the legality of the removal of Driggers and Burnham. Steve Greer spoke about the necessity to move forward regardless,  since waiting on a ruling of some sort would only put the Authority further behind on handling current business.

Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) attended the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Environment 2013 Spring Forum on May 2-4 in Denver, Colo.  The forum focused around hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, but also provided policymakers from across the country with the opportunity to exchange ideas on issues regarding the environment.

“As our country continues to explore innovative ways to utilize our natural resources, these forums allow us to meet and discuss what best suits our state’s needs,” said Sen. Tolleson.  “Since the price of natural gas continues to rise, we must keep our minds open to new ways of unlocking this precious resource.  By learning more about infrastructure, we can preserve our natural resources for the future while also protecting them right now.”