Democratic State Sen. Kevin S. Parker has reintroduced two bills in Albany aimed at protecting federal employees in New York during government shutdowns.

The legislation — S.8534, an act to establish a furloughed or non-pay federal workers revolving loan program and fund, and S.8535, which reduces residential rates for electric and natural gas services to furloughed or unpaid federal workers — would establish state support for public servants when federal gridlock halts their pay, ensuring they do not face financial hardship due to federal delays.

Federal government shutdowns can have a significant impact on families throughout New York, Parker said. Thousands of federal workers — including TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and postal employees — find themselves unpaid and struggling to pay for rent, utilities, and other necessities. 

Bill S.8534 would establish a Furloughed Federal Employee Revolving Loan Fund, which would offer zero-interest loans to federal employees who are either furloughed or required to work without pay. The loans would be meant to help furloughed workers cover essential utility expenses, such as electricity and gas, and prevent them from losing these necessary household services. Oversight of the fund would be administered jointly by the New York State Comptroller and the Public Service Commission to promote transparency and accountability.

Bill S.8535 would provide more relief options and financial protections for affected federal workers and their families.

“When a federal employee is sent home without pay, they don’t stop being a New Yorker,” said Parker, whose district includes much of Brooklyn. “They don’t stop being somebody’s parent, somebody’s neighbor, somebody’s spouse. Their bills don’t pause, and their lights shouldn’t turn off. If Washington can’t act, New York must.”

If passed, Parker said his bills would provide peace of mind and financial stability for working families who serve the federal government and live in New York State. “If we pass these bills today, we give thousands of families peace of mind tomorrow. We show every federal employee in this state that New York sees you, values you, and has your back,” he said.

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