CUNA is continuing to collect information on the increasing the number of credit unions around the country that are providing assistance to furloughed federal workers. CUNA’s Shutdown Assistance page features information on the various ways credit unions are helping members affected by the shutdown.
“America’s credit unions have stepped up with relief programs for employees affected by the shutdown offering members that includes little-to-no-rate loans, deferred payments and other services designed to assist these workers until the government is funded,” said CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan. “This is what we mean when we say that credit unions are people helping people.”
Credit unions can submit information on how they have assisted members to Stephen Fitzmaurice, CUNA’s director of public affairs, at sfitzmaurice@cuna.coop.
Credit union efforts began shortly after government funding lapsed in December, and continue as federal workers missed their first paycheck last week. Several media outlets have noted these efforts, including CNBC and Vox.
Congressional leaders have also shared information about credit union efforts. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Mary.) hosted a Facebook live video Wednesday with the Maryland & D.C. Credit Union Association highlighting the work credit unions are doing assisting federal workers.
Other legislators, including Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) encouraged federal workers in to check out the resources provided by credit unions.
Some local credit unions are providing loans to help government employees not receiving paychecks make ends meet until the government is reopened.
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) January 14, 2019
If you’re a federal worker in California affected by Trump’s shutdown, the California Credit Union League’s list of resources may be helpful. Many credit unions are offering assistance to members. https://t.co/y0yhqKgWZc
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) January 16, 2019
I'm continuing to meet with bank representatives to advocate for #CA45 workers hurt by the shutdown. If you need late fees waived or repayment timelines extended, ask your lender. Here's a list of #ShutdownHelp offerings by CA credit unions: https://t.co/MvewLCqhFG pic.twitter.com/7cyxOPvTub
— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) January 16, 2019