With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown in Washington, lawmakers in Richmond are trying to figure out how to help federal employees in Virginia.
With federal workers on the verge of missing two paychecks, lawmakers here in Richmond are considering emergency legislation to prevent landlords from evicting victims of the shutdown.
Senator Jeremy McPike of Woodbridge is introducing a bill that would put a 30-day hold on evictions or foreclosures for renters or homeowners who are federal employees, independent contractors or employees of companies that contract with the federal government.
“Missing several paychecks makes a big deal to families, and we’ve got to look at measures here in Virginia that we can help with that process.”
This is an issue that’s personal for many lawmakers.
“I wish this mechanism was in place for me as I was about to lose my car and my mortgage was coming up in two weeks.”
That’s Delegate Hala Ayala of Woodbridge, who was a federal worker during the last shutdown in 2013.
“If your credit falls below a certain rating, and it can happen due to lack of parents to these creditors, you could lose your clearance. You could lose your livelihood.”
McPike says he’s also been talking to the governor about actions he might be able to take to protect federal workers caught up in the crossfire of the shutdown.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
