Roll Call is reporting that another government shutdown and furloughs may be in the works.
The article notes that "congressional negotiators had been making good progress but the White House has not been constructive." The story quotes staffers who say that it will be difficult, given the state of negotiations, "to meet the April 28 funding deadline and thus a short-term continuing resolution would be needed."
But Democratic leaders, the article notes, are inclined to vote against a short-term continuing resolutions (CR), and they will likely bring along some Republicans. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, the article notes, "suggested that Democrats should vote against a short-term CR unless a bipartisan deal has been reached and the extra time is needed only to finish drafting the legislation reflecting that agreement."
Should the government shut down, there's no guarantee that we will be paid for days we are furloughed. To remove that uncertainty for federal workers, NTEU is backing legislation from Senator Ben Cardin (D, MD), S. 861, the Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act that would ensure that all federal employees are paid in the event of a shutdown — both individuals required to work unpaid and those furloughed. Additionally, it would allow federal employees remaining on the job to take scheduled annual leave and sick leave as needed.
We recommend that you start saving money now to be used in the event of a government shutdown. Should you not be able to meet your bills during the shutdown, NTEU helps fund the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA). FEEA provides emergency grants and loans to eligible federal employees in times of emergency. Loans up to $1,200 are available for:
Severe illness or injury of employee or immediate family member
Death of employee's immediate family member
Major loss/damage to primary residence due to natural disaster
Victim of domestic violence
Separation or divorce
Spouse’s loss of employment due to layoff
NTEU is a founding member of FEEA and National President Tony Reardon serves on the FEEA Board of Directors.