As the federal government shutdown drags into its fourth week, it’s important to recognize that approximately 14,000 federal employees in New York State work for departments affected by the shutdown. For anyone living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to care for their families, this loss of income and uncertainty is devastating. Further, this hurts the local economy because these workers aren’t able to spend money at the small businesses that make Yonkers thrive. Hardworking public employees don’t deserve to be punished because President Trump is keeping the government closed because he hasn’t received funding for his wall.

That’s why my Assembly colleagues and I passed legislation allowing local governments to extend the property tax payment deadline for affected federal employees, with no penalties or interest, until 90 days after the shutdown ends (A.881). It’s the fair and just thing to do.

In addition, my district office located at 35 East Grassy Sprain Rd will be hosting a food drive. All non-perishable food items can be dropped off from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the month of January. These items will be distributed to local furloughed workers and their families. I invite all of my constituents who can contribute to reach out as a community and help provide assistance to these civil servants who give us their best every day.

The Assembly Majority can’t reopen the federal government, but we can help the people affected by the shutdown. New York’s federal employees work hard for us and they need to start receiving their paychecks again. Until then, we’ll be there for them.