This Sunday, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) held a roundtable with federal workers living in the 32nd Congressional District of who have been impacted by the government shutdown. Allred listened to their stories, many of whom are working without pay or have been furloughed, and shared with the group his work to reopen the government, voting for bipartisan bills in the House.
“Most of these public servants are working for free and wondering how they’ll be able to make ends meet,” said Allred. “I thank them for taking time during this hectic and uncertain period to meet with me. Enough is enough. It’s time for the Senate to do their job and pass the bipartisan House bills to reopen the government. Washington shouldn’t be playing political games with the paychecks of hardworking Texans.”
Locally, several churches in Southern Dallas prayed with employees who missed their first paycheck on Friday. Reports showed grateful members of Concord Church receiving not only prayers but gift cards, food and other support. Friendship West Church and others reportedly offered similar assistance.
“They didn’t get a paycheck on Friday so now they’re trying to just survive,” Senior Pastor Bryan Carter told the congregation. “When our community hurts, we hurt. We believe it’s important to stand up and serve during this difficult season.”
Via Twitter, Allred shared three short videos of the employees sharing in their own words, how the historic government shutdown is impacting their families. The attendees included military veterans, one who has worked for more than 30 years for the government, and a single mom concerned how she will feed her children.
This is Sandra’s story
At my roundtable yesterday, federal workers shared their stories with me about how the shutdown is hurting them and many others across our region.
People like Sandra, who is a single mom and works at TSA at DFW Airport. pic.twitter.com/ckOryR4Idl
— Colin Allred (@RepColinAllred) January 14, 2019
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has rejected a latest proposal from ally Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina to at least temporarily reopen the government. There appears to be no end on the horizon for the government shutdown, now in it’s third week.
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