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Government Shutdown has Impact on Kentucky National Guard

Thirteen hundred Kentucky National Guard troops have been furloughed as a result of the federal government shutdown.  Major General Ed Tonini says the shutdown has "adversely impacted" the guard.  He believes the furloughed troops should be working and should be paid.

"It affects them personally and their families, and their ability to put food on the table," comments Tonini.  "Beyond that, they are continually training to do the work of the nation and the work of the commonwealth."

Weekend drills have been postponed, and the adjutant general had to cancel a planned trip to Guantanamo Bay to visit Kentucky guardsmen serving there.