The economic impact of the Gulf oil spill is reaching far beyond the fishing and tourism industries that were first hit. Everyone from plumbers to beauticians says they're feeling the pain. But some people are much more likely than others to get money from BP's compensation fund. While scientists watch to see if oil might make its way through the entire marine food chain, the economic food chain has already been spoiled for everyone from fishermen to oil rig workers. With no one fishing and many restaurants hurting for business, it's also having an impact on Scott Burke's bottom line. His company, Loop Linen and Uniform Service, launders and rents tablecloths and napkins just outside of New Orleans. The Trickle-Down Effect Washing machines that usually run until 9 p.m. are turned off, and linens rented out to restaurants are piled high on shelves. "As the restaurants slow down, we slow down," Burke says. "It's just a trickle-down effect." And the trickle doesn't stop with Burke. "The people who supply me — I'm not using as many chemicals to wash," he says. "I'm not buying linen 'cause there's just not a demand. So, everyone's feeling the pinch." Many are also trying to make a claim. Even a local plumber ...
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