Little was certain on Monday as the federal government shutdown loomed and lawmakers remained deadlocked.

On Monday afternoon, the Idaho Governor's Office was awaiting information from the Division of Financial Management on how a shutdown would affect state agencies.

What was certain, however, was that about half of the 1,700 full-time Idaho National Guard employees around the state would be furloughed with no pay, said Idaho National Guard public affairs officer Col. Tim Marsano. This is because though the Idaho National Guard is under the command and control of Gov. Butch Otter, guardsmen and women are paid with federal funds.

The Guard aims to handle the shutdown in an orderly fashion, but even Marsano doesn't know what will happen when he shows up for work today.

"Everyone will show up tomorrow morning to report to work, and at that point will receive additional information about the way forward," he said on Monday.

As for how a shutdown would affect individuals, Marsano pointed out that the potential furloughs come on the heels of six unpaid furlough days resulting from the sequestration.

"It's a double gut punch," he said.

A shutdown will require the National Guard to postpone the training assemblies scheduled for this weekend. Even a short shutdown could mean drill postponement - or not. The Idaho Guard did not know as of Monday evening.

"If there's no money to pay for the soldiers we are drilling, we will have to postpone that," Marsano said.

Across the state line, Fairchild Air Force Base was also preparing for a shutdown.

A press release from the base stated that military personnel would report to work as normal, and police, fire and emergency medical services would also remain open. However, activities not essential to national security and public safety will generally stop.

Other effects

In addition to the military, the real estate industry may also be seriously affected by a federal shutdown.

Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors spokesman and past president Kim Cooper said everyone is concerned that Federal Housing Administration guaranteed loans in progress will not be funded immediately, souring potential deals.

Borrowers don't have to put as much money down for an FHA loan, so whether their loans go through affects whether they will be able to purchase a home, he said.

"The general consensus is, our people are going to be hosed that have yet to have their loans funded," he said.

"It's not going to have a positive impact if financing draws to a halt. There could be no positive outcome."

Other affected federal agencies include the U.S. Forest Service, which will maintain operations essential to protect life and property, but will close down non-excepted operations in an orderly process taking seven days, according to the agency's contingency plan.

Business as usual?

Many other agencies will continue business as usual - at least for a little while.

The United States District and Bankruptcy Courts in Idaho will continue business as usual for 10 days, but will have to make adjustments after that.

"We're going to take this week by week and see what happens," said Elizabeth Smith, clerk for the U.S. District and Bankruptcy Court.

North Idaho College director of financial aid Joe Bekken said that students will still be able to apply for financial aid and to receive money.

"Really at this point we're status quo," he said.

"Will that continue if this goes on? We don't know."

At the Coeur d'Alene School District, director of special services Frances Huffman said the district had received no caution and no direction on how a shutdown will affect public schools. The school district gets funding from several federal "pots," including money for lunches, some for transportation, special education and more.

"We have not received any notification that it will affect our federal funds at all," she said.

Idaho Lawmakers

Retirees will continue to get Social Security checks and the airports will remain open, but civilians and contractors will certainly be affected, said Lindsay Nothern, press secretary to Sen. Mike Crapo., R-Idaho.

Crapo has supported de-funding or at least delaying the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

"The U.S. House of Representatives has done its job of passing a government funding bill that keeps the government open and gives Idaho families much-needed relief by defunding Obamacare, but I cannot support the legislative maneuvers by the majority leader that ensure funding for Obamacare continues," he stated.

Crapo's office has fielded a vast number of calls, with the majority 100-1 in favor of delaying or changing Obamacare, Nothern said.

"Overwhelming is not too strong a word," he said.

Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, also voted for delaying Obamacare.

"The House is ready to work with the Senate, but we need the Senate to come to the table. The Senate has put us on the brink of a shutdown, which is irresponsible and unacceptable. The American people deserve better," stated a press release from his office.