For the first time we are hearing from federal workers in Maryland who have been impacted by this government shutdown.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — As the federal government shutdown stretches into another week, many workers in Prince George’s County are feeling the effects — but local officials are stepping up to offer support.
During an event originally intended to mark her first 100 days in office, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy transformed the gathering into a moment of relief for furloughed federal employees. Alongside music and celebration, the county brought out a range of resources aimed at those struggling through the shutdown.
“I appreciate this music right here right now because it’s bringing people together,” said Odette Solomon, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime Pentagon employee whose retirement processing has been delayed due to the shutdown.
Solomon, who served in the military for 20 years before continuing her federal service, said her official retirement date was scheduled for Sept. 30. But with the shutdown beginning Oct. 1, her paperwork was never processed.
“So my retirement date did not process,” she said. “I just ask that you pray for me.”
She’s not alone. Thousands of federal workers in the region are facing similar uncertainty, and many say the emotional toll is just as significant as the financial one.
“It truly is community, it’s family,” said Kenya, a furloughed federal employee. “Coming out here, having an event like this allows you to take your mind off of it — even though it’s in the back of your mind.”
Patra, another furloughed worker, echoed those concerns.
“Even though we’re on administrative leave, we’re still full-time workers. It affects us, too,” she said. “Depending on how long it goes, it could affect my retirement as well.”
County leaders are doing what they can to ease the burden. Officials partnered with banks, utilities, and other service providers to offer assistance, including loan relief and grace periods for missed payments.
“We’re collecting our resources,” said County Council Member Wanika Fisher. “We’re working with West Banco, our utilities — making sure nothing is shut off. We’re doing all we can to be there.”
Fisher noted that Prince George’s County has been one of the hardest-hit areas in the nation during the shutdown.
“The federal shutdown has affected the state of Maryland — and in particular Prince George’s County — the most in the entire country,” Fisher said. “Our residents are hurting, and we’re doing all we can to be there for them. That’s our job.”
For Solomon, who has now lived through three government shutdowns, the show of solidarity brings comfort in a difficult time.
“It means a lot to me,” she said. “Not only do I have the ability to access some resources, but so do my seniors — who I care so much about — and also the less privileged folks. I’m middle class, but others need more help. And they’re getting it.”
More information on available county resources for furloughed workers can be found at here.
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