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Supporting Our Federal Workers During the Shutdown

  • Teresa Woorman
  • Oct 1
  • 4 min read

Dear Neighbor,


Once again, Republicans in Washington have let politics get in the way of governing and are trying to bring down our healthcare system with them. The federal government is shut down: not because we can’t afford to keep it open, but because dysfunction has overtaken responsibility. The truth is, these shutdowns cost us more than running the government would in the first place, while creating unnecessary hardship for the very people who serve our country. At the heart of the fight are Affordable Care Act subsidies that help more than 24 million people afford coverage and Republican-backed Medicaid cuts that could strip millions more of their healthcare.


This morning, Governor Wes Moore reaffirmed his support for federal workers, highlighting the state programs available to help families weather this shutdown and announcing the launch of a new resource website: https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown.


I wanted to reach out to share the resources available for federal employees, contractors, and their families. If you are directly affected, or if you know someone who may need help, please pass this information along.


Financial Assistance

  • Federal Shutdown Loan Program (launching Oct. 6):

    • For “excepted” federal employees required to work without pay. Offers a zero-interest $700 loan to cover essential expenses while awaiting back pay.

  • Unemployment Benefits for Furloughed Workers:

  • Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program:For federal employees laid off during the shutdown. Eligible Maryland residents may apply for a zero-interest $700 loan if facing financial hardship.


Access to Key Federal Programs

We’re all working to ensure that major federal programs continue to operate, with the expectation that the federal government will reimburse Maryland as has been the practice during past shutdowns. The length of the shutdown and federal commitments may affect how long these programs can run uninterrupted. The Administration will closely monitor impacts and share updates.


  • Department of Human Services: Nutrition assistance (SNAP, SUN Bucks), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs, energy assistance (MEAP), adult protection, child support, and child welfare-related services (foster care, guardianship, adoption, child abuse/neglect investigations) will continue without interruption.

  • Department of Health: Medicaid coverage, Medicaid waiver services, inpatient care at state facilities, and public health activities such as respiratory virus vaccinations and food safety monitoring will continue. WIC will operate for a short period after the shutdown.

  • Department of Housing and Community Development: Housing program participants (Section 8, HUD-VASH vouchers, Continuum of Care, etc.) will continue receiving assistance during a brief shutdown, but participants must continue paying their portion of rent.

  • State Department of Education: The Child Care Scholarship Program will continue without interruption. Families will keep receiving support and providers will keep receiving payments. Head Start programs, though federally funded, already have state support in place to help maintain services.


Career and Worker Support

Maryland is also offering a wide range of services for impacted workers, including:


Financial Relief Through Credit Unions and Banks

  • Maryland Credit Unions may offer emergency low-interest loans, penalty-free withdrawals, loan payment deferrals, 0% APR short-term credit lines, auto loan refinancing, and higher credit card limits. Contact your credit union directly to see what options are available.

  • Maryland Chartered Banks may also offer emergency loans, payment deferrals, increased credit limits, and penalty-free CD withdrawals. Impacted workers should contact their bank directly to learn more about relief programs tied to the shut


Congressional Leaders’ FAQs and Resource Pages

Our federal delegation is also sharing important information and resources for Marylanders navigating this shutdown:


Montgomery County Government Resources

Here in Montgomery County, local government and community partners are stepping up to help too:

  • Food Assistance: The Montgomery County Food Council’s Online Food Assistance Resource Directory lists more than 100 food assistance sites across the county. It’s searchable by location, type of assistance, accessibility, and other features to help families find the support they need quickly.

  • Mobilize Montgomery: Mobilize Montgomery is a joint initiative between Montgomery County Government, the Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, and many local partners. It’s designed to support employers and employees impacted by federal budget cuts, offering resources on financial assistance, workforce programs, job fairs, and more.


My heart goes out to everyone affected by this shutdown. It is wrong that federal employees and their families are being put in this position, and I want you to know you are not alone. If you are struggling, or if you’d like to share your story with me, my office is here to listen and to help however we can.


Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do for you.


Sincerely,


ree


Delegate Teresa Woorman, District 16

 

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By Authority: Teresa Woorman for Maryland; Matthew Woorman, Treasurer

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