Maryland Federal Workers Face Uncertain Futures Because Of Missing Paychecks

RadioOnFire.com - Federal workers might not get a paycheck Friday as the partial government shutdown continues.

Maryland is home to many federal agencies, and more than 23,000 jobs are affected by the shutdown in the state. Many of those employees are feeling uncertain about their futures and how they will make ends meet with no money coming in.

Mark Blankenship and Bobby Shackelford both work for Homeland Security in the U.S. Coast Guard. Shackleford is a vice president for American Federation Government Employees Local 1923. Blankenship is a chief shop steward and he is on furlough. He got his last check two weeks ago.

"I'm more upset than angry," Blankenship said. "Our bills are not going to be able to get paid because we're not going to receive a paycheck. I have been a loyal employee of the Coast Guard for 15 years and it is very hard that we're not going to be receiving a paycheck."

"My mortgage can't get paid, I can't pay cable bill, I can't pay my gas and electric. I'm working, but you've got other furloughed employees who are home. I still got to pay for gas and pay for food," Shackleford said.

Source WBAL