To whom it may concern:
As you are aware, the federal government is currently shut down due to a lapse in federal appropriations. While the House of Representatives, with my strong support, passed a clean funding bill to keep the federal government operating, the Senate's inability to pass the bill has left hardworking Americans caught in the middle. Unfortunately, this political stalemate has very real consequences for families in Northeast Florida and across the nation.
Northeast Florida is home to many active-duty service members, air traffic controllers, federal law enforcement officers, and other federal employees who are deeply committed to the safety and success of our nation. They are part of the more than 155,000 federal workers who call Florida home. But these are not abstract numbers; they are neighbors, parents and taxpayers who simply want to provide for their families. Many of these hard-working public servants already live paycheck to paycheck, and even a short delay in income can cause long-term financial damage.
Some federal workers have already missed their expected paychecks due to the Senate shutdown. If a funding agreement is not reached by the end of October, tens of thousands of active-duty service members, federal law enforcement officers, air traffic controllers and other federal employees in Northeast Florida will miss their monthly paycheck. These men and women serve our country and communities every day. Now, through no fault of their own, many of these public servants and their families face the impossible task of putting food on their tables or paying their bills without receiving a paycheck.
To help ease this burden, I urge financial institutions and utility companies throughout the state to exercise flexibility and compassion during this time. Those affected by the shutdown should not be further harmed by service disruptions, late fees or adverse credit reporting. Adverse credit reporting due to the government shutdown can have lasting impacts that persist long after the federal government reopens. A short-term missed payment should not turn into a year-long burden of damaged credit or higher costs. I also ask that you work with affected customers to create flexible payment arrangements and extend lines of credit until normal operations resume. By extending assistance now, your organizations can help prevent unnecessary hardship and demonstrate the kind of community leadership that Floridians will remember long after this shutdown ends.
Thank you for your consideration and for standing with the men and women who protect and serve our country.
Sincerely,
Aaron Bean
