ANNAPOLIS, MD—In direct response to the ongoing federal government shutdown entering its second week, Governor Wes Moore on Monday announced the immediate launch of the Federal Shutdown Loan Program to provide financial relief to essential federal employees who are working without pay.
The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 designed to help “excepted” federal employees—those required to work during the shutdown—cover immediate costs like rent and groceries.
“At a time when the federal government is stepping back from its most basic obligations, Maryland is stepping up to protect our people,” said Governor Moore. He emphasized that the emergency support is intended to keep public servants afloat, but urged federal leaders to resolve the shutdown, stating, “No state can continue to fill the massive gap created by Washington.”…