Baltimore City is home to more than 3,000 federal employees who are now furloughed due to the government shutdown. Mayor Catherine Pugh has announced resource assistance to affected federal worker. Governor Larry Hogan has announced the Maryland Transit Administration is offering free bus, light rail, metro and MARC service to workers impacted by the government shutdown.
In released statement, Mayor Pugh said "for those families suffering as a result of this senseless shutdown, please know that city government, its employees, its partners and the residents of Baltimore want to help." The city has prepared a resource list to assist furloughed federal workers avoid utility service interruptions, negotiate with lenders to avoid impact on credit ratings, and avoid scams targeting them.
Furlough Response Resource List for Baltimore City: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/federal-government-shutdown-assistance?fbclid=IwAR2LnEMRC_qYwaFO-EHgCvj_sBXYiv-g4i5VDsAlG1sqpNL-k_WcF3AMzjM
Governor Larry Hogan Thursday, announced at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport that MTA fees will be waived for federal workers. He said every single state transportation service is going to be free until the shutdown is over. Hogan thanked TSA agents and other federal workers who are working without pay.
Maryland State Attorney General Brian Frosh has issued a Consumer Protection Advisory for federal workers facing hardships. In a statement Frosh said, “Federal workers who are not receiving their paychecks and are having difficulty making mortgage, student loan, and/or rent payments should be aware that there are resources available to help address certain financial challenges they experience during the shutdown.
If you are a federal employee and have been furloughed as a result of the federal shutdown, you may file your claim online using the Federal Civilian Employee Application for Benefits or you may file a claim by calling 410-853-1700 or contact an unemployment insurance claim center.
For information on unemployment insurance: http://www.dllr.maryland.gov/employment/officenum.shtml