U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) last week urged banking and credit union associations across his home state to refrain from penalizing federal employees and United States military service members whose paychecks are currently being withheld due to the federal government shutdown.
The congressman in an Oct. 15 letter urged the associations’ members to waive penalties, suspend late fees, and provide additional immediate relief to safeguard the financial well-being of these workers.
His request follows the stalemate that began on Sept. 30 when U.S. Senate Democrats and Republicans failed to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating, causing a lapse in appropriations.
“Now hardworking civil servants and brave men and women in uniform are left to deal with the devastating financial implications,” wrote Rep. Evans, noting that Colorado’s federal employees and military service members are already facing increased economic challenges “because of bad policies from the governor and state legislature that have made our state more expensive.”
He also pointed out that Colorado is experiencing a significant housing affordability crisis, with rising rents and home prices outpacing wage growth across much of the state, with Colorado’s cost-of-living being 9 percent higher than the national average and housing expenses leading at 24 percent compared to other states.
“If a funding agreement is not reached, many federal employees will not receive their hard-earned salary until funding is restored,” Rep. Evans wrote. “While President Trump has directed unobligated funds from the Department of War be used to pay active duty service members on Oct. 15, it is unclear if they will receive further pay if the shutdown continues.
“I fear that any delay in compensation will affect the ability of my constituents to meet on-time payment deadlines and will lead to adverse financial burdens,” he added.
The congressman asked that several temporary financial relief measures be considered, including offering a temporary zero-percent interest line of credit; eliminating and/or waiving subsequent fees, including overdraft fees and other related charges, for missed or delayed payments; suspending negative credit reporting related to delayed payments and suspending loan payments; and providing access to hardship programs or short-term assistance, according to the letter.
“I respectfully urge and request that your members implement compassionate and proactive measures to support service members and federal workers during this government shutdown,” wrote Rep. Evans.