Federal workers deserve to be paid

As of today, this is the longest government shutdown in history. For 36 days, workers have either been working without pay or sitting by their phones, ready to report for duty in an emergency. One furloughed worker compared it to being "a doctor on call." With a shutdown this long, there could be dire consequences for the workers who chose to go into public service. Student loan payments are still due. Mortgage payments are still due. You still have to feed your family. This Congressional spat could ruin people's credit, just because they took a job at TSA. Together, the generous Progress America community has raised money to support federal workers buy groceries, but there are 1.4 million federal workers. That's more help than we can give. A new Senate bill, The Federal Employee Civil Relief Act, would protect impacted workers from being evicted or foreclosed, having their car repossessed, losing their health insurance, falling behind on their student loan payments, or ruining their credit score. These protections would last through the shutdown and 30 days afterward. This is critical, especially since Trump has recently threatened to not pay the legally-mandated backpay when the shutdown ends. Sign our petition demanding Congress protect federal workers and pass this legislation as soon as possible. TAKE ACTION Federal workers are being used as political pawns. But as we know from history, the government shutdown isn't a game. And now, this is looking like it'll be the longest government shutdown in American history. Not getting paid has very real consequences. Federal workers might be evicted or foreclosed on, default on their student loans, have their cars repossessed, and more, all because Republicans aren't willing to budge and reopen the government. 18 Senators agree on something, and it's to make sure our federal employees get paid the wages they owe. Take a moment to tell Congress to do the right thing and support our federal workers. In solidarity, Mike Phelan Progress America Paid for by Progress America, a project of Strategy & Hustle   Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Progress America, please click here.