The DC City Council yesterday unanimously approved the “Federal Worker Housing Relief Emergency Act of 2019” to protect unpaid federal government workers and contractors from foreclosure, eviction, and late fees during a federal government shutdown. Metro Washington Council president Jackie Jeter applauded the move, saying that “We have to ensure that our government workers are not used as pawns during this manufactured ordeal.” The bill, which takes effect immediately following the Mayor’s signature, would benefit as many as 80,000 federal workers and contractors living in DC. Under this law, moved by At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, judges will be required to “put on hold” any motion by a housing provider or lender to evict or foreclose upon a federal worker or contractor during a federal government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of the shutdown, for a period of up to 90 days.
Jeter (at right) at January 10 AFGE/NFFE rally; photo courtesy Olivier Douliery/Abaca/Sipa USA via AP Images
Jeter (at right) at January 10 AFGE/NFFE rally; photo courtesy Olivier Douliery/Abaca/Sipa USA via AP Images