Waiting for a big refund from your tax return?… Paycheck from the government?

You might have to wait awhile longer, if Congress doesn’t pass a funding extension by March 4th 2010.

“We don’t want it to come to a point where it’s long term and does effect the drawn down of our federal funding,” said Stephanie Neff with Linn County Public Health.

Neff says it’s already preparing to be cut-off from certain grants and federal resources which affect community services like substance abuse programs and other non-profits.

Planning a trip overseas?

Linn County Recorder, Joan McCalmant, says plan on it being postponed, if you still need a passport or renewal.

“Renewals can be sent in by people without effecting us, but they would still be effected by the Department of State being closed and passport agencies,” McCalmant said.

At the Cedar Rapids Armory, the National Guard trains soldiers in communications, intelligence and combat.

Captain Nicholas Jones says they’ve cancelled drilling for March effecting 120 soldiers in Cedar Rapids and more than 2,000 across the state.

“Being part of the National Guard is a time commitment.  We wanted to make sure they had opportunities to put together a plan,” Jones said.

Veterans affairs and several other government offices we spoke to also suggest putting together a plan if you need to take care of any federal business in the next few days.

Military benefit checks and social security would be effected as well, if a resolution is not reached in time.

Again, this is the first time we’ve faced a budget freeze during tax season.  If that happens, the government will accept your tax payment, but you might have to wait for your tax refunds.