DC Mayor Bowser Seeks to Offer Unemployment to Unpaid Fed Workers

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is introducing emergency legislation to allow federal District employees working without pay to file for unemployment benefits. 

Bowser said Tuesday that the legislation may circumvent the U.S. Department of Labor's declaration that only furloughed workers are eligible for unemployment benefits. 

Bowser also pledged $2 million in local funds to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The D.C. Council also passed legislation requiring judges to halt eviction or foreclosure proceedings if residents prove they're furloughed or working without pay. That legislation would take effect for 90 days if Bowser signs it. 

The District chief financial officer says the city is losing about $10 million in revenue per week due to the shutdown over President Donald Trump's promised U.S.-Mexico border wall. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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