As we enter what is now a historic furlough for government workers and contractors – from TSA agents to some FDA food inspectors and park rangers and staff with the National Parks Service, people are not getting paid.
Many government employees and contractors are still required to report to work. Some will receive back pay once things get settled, but many will not. Many agencies, private businesses and non-profit organizations ares stepping up to help out.
Here is a sampling of services available to help those impacted by the shutdown.
Anne Arundel County Libraries
Anne Arundel County Public Libraries
In an effort to lighten the burden felt by many county residents, Anne Arundel County Public Library will waive fines incurred between January 4, 2019 through the end of the federal government shutdown for federal government employees, contractors and their families. Additionally, we will not block library use for any customer for non payment of fines or send a customer to collections during the shutdown. Affected customers should contact their local branch to have their fines waived. More information can be found at aacpl.net
Higher Education
Anne Arundel Community College
AACC is deferring the initial payment of spring credit tuition to January 18 for students impacted by the government shutdown.
Pet Care
Animal Care & Control
411 Maxwell Frye Rd. Millersville MD 21108
aacounty.org/pets
410-222-8900 (ask for a Supervisor) When donated foods that are not used by the shelter come in they are redistributed to needy pet owners, such as homeless, people fallen on hard times or to local rescue partners.
SPCA of Anne Arundel County
1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis MD 21403
(410) 268-4388 ext.121
Pet Food Bank: aacspca.org/pet-food-bank/
Bark!
2102 Somerville Road, Annapolis MD 21401
443-214-5647
barknatural.com
Free bag of food with government ID
Utilities
Baltimore Gas and Electric
BGE reminds customers of important energy assistance programs. Programs tailored to help customers with temporary or extended hardships, including those impacted by the federal government shutdown. For more information, visit the BGE Bill Payment Assistance page at: bge.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/BillPaymentAssistance.aspx
Public Works (Water and Sewer Bills)
Customers with water/sewer bills over $200 may enter into a payment plan with the Office of Finance. With a payment plan in place, the customer’s service will not be shut-off. The 10% late payment penalty fee for water/sewer bills may be waived two times a year. Citizens can call customer service if they are past due on any of their County water/sewer or tax bills and ask for guidance. More information or to view your bill can be found at: aacounty.org/services-and-programs/pay-your-utilitywater-bill
Wireless Providers
AT&T
Customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep service including cellphones, television and internet running. Make payment arrangements online at att.com.
Sprint
“Our Care reps will coordinate with qualified customers and our financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown,” Sprint said in a statement. Impacted customers should call 888-211-4727 or do an online chat at sprint.com.
T-Mobile
Short-term account assistance can be tailored to meet the needs of customers who are federal workers, T-Mobile said, noting options include payment deferral and “flexible payment options” that allow customers to spread their service payments over time.” The company is also offering support to government account customers. Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care to discuss options at 611 from a T-Mobile device or 877-746-0909 from any phone.
Verizon
The company announced flexible payment options and a “Promise to Pay” program that can be set up in the My Verizon app or website. Further assistance is available by calling 866-266-1445.
Child Care Through Recreation and Parks
Child Care Programs (before/after school) will waive the late fee and hold spaces until the end of the month of January. Please call (410) 222-7856 for questions. Information about child care programs can be found at: aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/child-care/index.html
Free Family Activities For Federal Employees
American Visionary Art Museum
Free admission to federal employees with valid ID and up to three accompanying friends/family during the government shutdown. This special offer is good until the shutdown ends.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Free admission to federal workers with valid ID until the end of the furlough.
B&O Railroad Museum
One complimentary admission with valid federal ID.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The BSO is offering free tickets to federal government employees for this weekend’s performances of Sibelius Violin Concerto at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and at the Music Center at Strathmore to furloughed workers during the shutdown with a valid government ID. To claim complimentary tickets, please present valid government ID at the Ticket Office prior to the start of the performance. Two tickets are available per ID. bsomusic.org/calendar/special-offers/free-tickets-for-government-employees/
Harlem Globetrotters
The team is offering complimentary game tickets to any U.S. government employee currently on furlough to the 2019 Fan Powered North American tour. Any U.S. government employee currently on furlough can show their valid government ID at their local box office and receive two complimentary tickets to a Harlem Globetrotter game in North America while supplies last. The offer is only valid during the current government shutdown and is not valid on previously purchased tickets. Quantities are limited and seat locations vary by venue. Fans are asked to check with their local box office for details. In our area they will be in Belair on March 13, Salisbury March 14 and Delaware February 23. harlemglobetrotters.com/news/harlem-globetrotters-offer-free-tickets-all-us-government-employees-currently-furlough
IKEA
IKEA stores near Baltimore and Washington are offering free breakfast to federal workers during the partial federal government shutdown, the company announced. Government workers showing a valid ID can visit the IKEA stores in Baltimore (8352 Honeygo Blvd.), College Park (10100 Baltimore Ave.) and Woodbridge, Va., (2901 Potomac Mills Circle) Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a free hot breakfast including a free coffee, tea or fountain drink. The free breakfast offer will continue until the government shutdown ends.
National Building Museum
Federal employees get free admission by showing their ID badge.
National Law Enforcement Museum
The museum is offering free admission for all furloughed federal government employees with valid federal government ID.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
In addition to free admission and parking, federal employees receive discounts on feature films, concessions and merchandise.
Newseum
Free admission to federal employees for the duration of the shutdown by presenting badge in person at the admissions desk. Everyone else can receive 15% off general admission tickets purchased online.
Playseum Annapolis
Free admission for all government workers affected by the shut down with valid ID.
Pongo’s Learning Lab/Coder Kid’s Club
Use the FURLOUGH discount code for a free drop-in club ticket. Please pre-register for this, because space in each club is limited. One ticket per family. Show us your government ID at drop-off.
Quiet Waters Park – Ice Skating Rink
Free Ice Skating is being offered for those Federal Employees affected by the Government Shutdown.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum (Baltimore)
Free admission with valid government ID for groups of four, valid Wednesday – Sunday throughout the shutdown.
Additional Resources
United Way
United Way of Central Maryland’s partnerships with a broad range of health and human service providers enable the organization to effectively and efficiently assist furloughed federal employees and government contractors affected by the shutdown by providing current information on available community resources for residents of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties. . The 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline call specialists can answer questions about public benefits and connect those in need to food pantries, health care services and utility and eviction prevention assistance. Callers also can receive information on mental health counseling, transportation, job training, substance use recovery and childcare services, and volunteer opportunities.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman
For more resources we encourage you to visit the page set up by County Executive Steuart Pittman’s office: aacounty.org/departments/county-executive/federal-government-shutdown-assistance/index.html
If you know of any local restaurants or businesses offering discounts or free stuff for furloughed workers, please email [email protected] so we can share this information with others!
