The federal government shutdown has entered its fourth week. This pandemic has temporarily laid off nearly 750,000 federal workers, leaving them in an economic crisis. As the shutdown drags on, these workers are poised to miss their first full paycheck this Friday, raising concerns about their ability to make ends meet. President Donald Trump has recently made it clear that back pay for furloughed workers is not guaranteed. He said it changes by party, and that it “depends on whom you’re discussing.”
The shutdown has generated a wave of responses from state governments and nonprofit organizations hoping to fill the gaps and support those affected. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared housing protections for furloughed federal employees, such as mortgage and debt relief plans and eviction assistance. At the same time, Arlington County, Virginia, is providing job placement services and food assistance to support workers through this difficult transition.
Legislative Efforts to Provide Relief
Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Gary Peters of Michigan, and Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin are introducing new legislation to deliver emergency financial relief. They introduced independent legislation requiring certain federal employees to still be paid during a government shutdown. The proposal has faced opposition from Senator Ron Johnson, indicating a lack of consensus on how to handle the situation.
Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle continue to advocate for back pay for furloughed workers. Yet they are united in their concern over the negative impact the shutdown will have on individuals and families. Thank you to the supporters on both sides of the aisle who recognized the problem. Yet, President Trump still hasn’t committed to ensuring back pay for all those employees affected.
“There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way.” – Donald Trump
The debate in Congress continues. Millions of daily workers of the federal government bear the acute burden of unpredictability of their compensation and positions.
Community Assistance Programs Emerge
As many as 90,000 federal employees are in immediate need of financial support. To support their needs, states such as Maryland, Virginia, and New York have started programs to cover housing and food costs. Feeding America, a national nonprofit network of food banks, has pledged to help feed workers impacted by the shutdown. They caution that increasing demand will add to the strain on food banks that are working hard to meet unprecedented need.
Enter local governments, which are increasingly realizing the power of EI to equip citizens with valuable resources. Arlington County’s initiatives, while limited in scope, offer important help with food and housing. Their on-the-ground work includes mental health support, veterinary care, and animal relocation services. From the Inside Community-driven efforts like these are a testament to the increasing awareness of the plight of furloughed federal employees.
“A prolonged shutdown will deepen the strain, and more families will seek help at a time when food banks are already stretched due to sustained high need.” – Feeding America
As Congress continues to negotiate, the shutdown has already caused immeasurable economic distress—specifically for federal employees. It has broken the public sector’s ability to implement, producing effects far beyond the pandemic. Today, the only thing you’ll see posted signs reading “Closed due to federal government shutdown” at all of our national treasures. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is one such prominent example.
The Broader Impact of the Shutdown
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has indicated that “excepted” employees—those deemed essential—are expected to continue working without pay during this period. They will be made whole with retroactive pay as soon as appropriations are restored. This policy does go some way to reassuring future employees, but it does nothing for the workers now furloughed.
Furthermore, many federal employees are turning to local governments and non-profit organizations for help as they navigate the uncertainty of their financial futures. The struggle to maintain financial stability amid an extended shutdown has raised concerns about the long-term effects on families who rely on government jobs.
Furthermore, many federal employees are turning to local governments and non-profit organizations for help as they navigate the uncertainty of their financial futures. The struggle to maintain financial stability amid an extended shutdown has raised concerns about the long-term effects on families who rely on government jobs.
