EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — On day two of the federal government shutdown, thousands of families across El Paso are preparing for the possibility of missed paychecks.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, said nearly 20,000 federal employees in El Paso could be impacted if the shutdown stretches on. The first pay period affected could be Oct. 10.
“They have bills to pay, they have a mortgage to pay. They have probably car payments, they have child care. They have utility bills,” Escobar said. “It’s important that people get prepared by talking to their financial institutions now.”
To ease the strain, both El Paso Electric and El Paso Water have rolled out programs aimed at furloughed federal employees.
El Paso Electric announced Wednesday it will support customers who are federal workers through a variety of programs:
- Bright Hearts Fund: A donation-powered fund to help families overdue on their electric bills and at risk of disconnection.
- Payment Arrangements: Temporary payment plans for customers facing financial crisis.
- Low-Income/State Assistance Programs: Access to local and state low-income rider programs and financial assistance agencies across Texas and New Mexico.
Customers can call (915) 543-5711 or visit El Paso Electric’s website for eligibility and details.
El Paso Water also launched a Furloughed Customers Assistance Program for federal employees and co-tenants impacted by the shutdown. Eligible households may receive,
- Payment extensions
- Disconnection fee waivers
- Flexible payment arrangements with reduced or no down payments
To apply, the utility said customers should email customer.service@epwater.org with the subject line “Furloughed worker.” Required documentation includes a government-issued ID, proof of federal employment or furlough letter, and an EPWater account number.
Fort Bliss officials confirmed that military personnel will continue working during the shutdown, but will not receive pay until Congress reaches a funding agreement. William Beaumont Army Medical Center stated it will remain open and all medical and ancillary services, including pharmacy and radiology, are continuing as usual.
Escobar’s office has also launched a survey to track the local impact of the shutdown. Constituents can find more information on her website.
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