Newark Offers Local Fed Workers $200 To Avoid Utility Shutoffs

NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark is offering local furloughed federal workers up to $200 to help prevent shutoff of their utilities during the ongoing government shutdown.

On Thursday, Mayor Ras Baraka announced that the city has established a $25,000 fund to assist workers facing shutoff of their public utilities because their paychecks have been withheld during the shutdown.

According to a statement from Baraka:

“Residents who can document potential or actual utility shutoff with a notice from their utility company may be compensated up to $200 to assist in the reactivation of their utility services. This measure is a first step… to demonstrate the city’s solidarity and support for federal workers residing in Newark who are held hostage by the government shutdown.”

Baraka continued:

“Residents in this situation can seek this support at the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness located at 110 William Street in the Division of Social Services between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents should bring the following documentation with them: Photo ID, proof of residency, proof of current federal employment (pay stub and government worker ID), and the original shutoff notice from their utility company. This funding is to support Newark residents only.”

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In New Jersey, about 5,000 federal government workers are going without pay as a result of the shutdown, a group of U.S. lawmakers said last week. Since then, reports of local outreach to the affected workers and their families have emerged across the state.

• See related article: PSEG Cuts Unpaid Federal Workers Some Slack During Gov't Shutdown
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The shutdown was born from a bitter Democrat/Republican budget battle that escalated over the holiday season. President Trump is sticking with his demand for money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and Democratic lawmakers are refusing to give him what he wants.

• See related article: 5 Ways Government Shutdown Could Hurt New Jersey

The shutdown isn't just affecting government workers and their families, many of whom had to pinch pennies over the holiday season due to the lack of a paycheck. It's also throwing a monkey wrench into IRS refunds, SNAP and WIC benefits, school/daycare food programs and immigration courts.

• See related article: NJ Congresswoman-Elect Refuses Pay Until Government Shutdown Ends
• See related article: New Jersey Workers Pine For Paychecks Amid Government Shutdown

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