Thousands of federal employees are currently furloughed from their jobs through no fault of their own, but are still expected to pay bills and taxes. Depending on laws in their home states, they may receive financial assistance through unemployment, loan programs, and civil action and financial penalty protections. However, states like New York and Virginia have gone further during the 2019 and current government shutdown by allowing local governments to extend property tax payment deadlines for their federal employees when they are impacted by furloughs. Pennsylvania currently does not allow this, and it is time that we do.
 
My legislation would follow Virginia’s example by permitting local governments to extend property tax payment deadlines for up to 90 days for a reasonable cause. A reasonable cause includes situations that are out of someone’s control, such as being suddenly furloughed during a government shutdown. This is just one of the ways we can show our appreciation for Pennsylvania residents who are federal workers and who are essential for ensuring the function of our national government.
 
Please join me in supporting our federal workers experiencing financial hardship during this and any future government shutdown.