Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) celebrated confirmation that federal workers attached to Florida Power and Light (FPL) will receive a payment extension for the duration of the government shutdown.
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick previously wrote to FPL CEO Armando Pimentel with the request that, "federal workers are a critical component of communities across Florida, and it is imperative that these individuals and their families are taken care of during these difficult times."
"Given your company's dedication to the people of Florida, I am respectfully requesting that your company suspend the collection of payments for utilities for Florida's federal workers for the duration of the government shutdown," Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick added.
Additionally, the Florida Congresswoman posted on X that "no family should lose power or their home during the government shutdown crisis. That's why I've sent letters to Florida Power & Light and United Wholesale Mortgage, urging them to pause utility shutoffs, mortgage late fees, and interest for those affected."
Pimentel has responded to the Florida lawmaker's request, confirming the pay extensions.
"Rest assured, we are going to give federal employees time to pay their bills," Pimentel responded. "At FPL, our priority is to keep the lights on for every customer, especially during such times."
Earlier in October, Cherfilus-McCormick introduced the Stop Stealing Our Jobs Act, which affirms that neither the President nor the Head of an Executive agency may remove any employee, including during a reduction-in-force.
"Federal employees are dedicated public servants who ensure seniors and veterans receive the benefits and healthcare they deserve, keep our communities safe and healthy, and manage programs that help lower costs for working families," she said. "They're the heartbeat of our government and the backbone of our nation. Using a government shutdown to fire hardworking federal workers is unprecedented and cruel."
After all, Florida has 7,000 federal workers living within Cherfilus-McCormick's Congressional district.
