Press Releases
01/15/2019
Gov. Lamont Announces Public-Private Partnership to Assist Essential Federal Workers During Shutdown
Urges Non-Essential Workers to Apply for State Unemployment Assistance to Which They Are Entitled
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that a public-private partnership between the State of Connecticut and private banks, led by Webster Bank and supported by the Connecticut Bankers Association, will enable essential federal workers who are required to report to work without pay to receive unemployment assistance. In addition, he is working with legislative leadership to emergency certify a bill that would ensure Connecticut is able to take advantage of any decision by the federal government to permit essential workers to collect earned unemployment insurance benefits. Lastly, Governor Lamont urged non-essential employees, who are not required to report to work, to access state unemployment benefits by contacting the Connecticut Department of Labor or their local American Job Center.
“Federal workers – regardless of their employment classification – are hurting while the federal government is shut down,” Lamont said. “This is particularly true for those employees who must still report to work and incur the cost of commuting and other work-related costs without receiving a paycheck. The action I am announcing today will help federal workers affected by the shutdown understand the benefits to which they are entitled and pay the bills that they and their families are incurring.
“In addition, I have convened a public-private partnership whereby banks in Connecticut, led by Webster Bank and supported by the Connecticut Bankers Association, will provide loans to those workers who are unable to qualify for unemployment insurance. This is a great example of the business community stepping up to help the state’s citizens, and I am grateful to them for their assistance. Working together, we can ensure that federal workers receive the money necessary for critical expenses even while the federal government shutdown remains at an impasse.”
Governor Lamont’s action includes:
- For workers who are non-essential and are not required to report to work: Governor Lamont urges these workers to contact the Connecticut Department of Labor or their local American Job Center, as they are eligible for unemployment assistance during the shutdown.
- For workers who are essential and are required to report to work: Governor Lamont announced a public-private partnership to access no-interest loans from private banks while the government is shutdown. In addition, he is working with legislative leadership to emergency certify a bill that would ensure Connecticut is able to take advantage of any decision by the federal government to permit essential workers to collect earned unemployment insurance benefits.
- For both classifications of workers: Governor Lamont is encouraging municipalities to delay collecting property taxes from affected employees.
“Webster Bank is pleased to work with the state to provide assistance to essential workers during this time of hardship,” John R. Ciulla, President and Chief of Executive Officer of Webster Bank, said. “Webster has a long history of supporting Connecticut and will work alongside other banks to assist residents during this difficult period.”
Residents looking to learn more about their unemployment assistance eligibility, or would like to apply, should contact the Connecticut Department of Labor online or contact their local American Job Center.
- Twitter: @GovNedLamont
- Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont