The provided source material details a range of free services, discounts, and financial assistance programs available to federal workers affected by government shutdowns. The offers focus primarily on the Maryland area, with specific relevance to residents of Columbia and the surrounding region. These resources cover essential needs such as transportation, meals, childcare, and entertainment, alongside state-sponsored financial aid programs.
Food and Dining Offers
Several local restaurants and food service providers have extended free meal offers to furloughed federal employees. These deals typically require the presentation of a valid government ID at the time of service.
- Ekiben: This establishment is offering free meals to furloughed workers at its Baltimore locations. The offer is valid for the duration of the shutdown.
- Villagio Cafe: Located at 6805 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212, Villagio Cafe provides a free lunch special to federal employees. This deal is valid for dine-in only, for the individual employee, during weekday lunch hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The offer runs through January 25.
Transportation and Commuting
State-level initiatives have been implemented to alleviate commuting costs for federal workers.
- MARC Train and Commuter Bus: Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that federal workers can ride MARC trains and Commuter Buses for free during the shutdown. To utilize this service, workers must present a valid federal ID badge to the operator. This offer continues through the end of the shutdown.
Childcare and Educational Activities
Resources are available to support families and children during the shutdown period.
- Drop-in STEM Clubs: Children of families affected by the government shutdown are offered free entry into drop-in STEM clubs. These include clubs focused on LEGO, Coder Kids Club, YouTube Stars/Animators, Robotics, and Gamer Club. Parents must use the discount code "FURLOUGH" to pre-register and present a government ID or other proof of furlough status at check-in.
Museums and Entertainment
Cultural institutions in the area are offering complimentary admission to furloughed workers.
- B&O Railroad Museum: Located at 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223, the museum offers one complimentary admission to furloughed federal employees with a valid employee ID.
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum: This museum at 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, provides free admission to groups of four who present a valid government ID in person. This offer is valid Wednesday through Sunday throughout the shutdown.
- The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum: Located at 701 Wilson Point Rd., Middle River, MD 21220, this museum offers free admission to furloughed government employees on Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Compass Rose Theatre: Based in Annapolis, this theater offers free tickets to live performances for furloughed workers to help lift spirits during the shutdown.
Workspaces and Professional Support
For those looking to work on personal projects or side hustles, a specific workspace offer exists.
- CAMPspace: Located at 4214 Gallatin St, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781, CAMPspace offers a free coworking space. The offer includes WiFi, unlimited Mocha Box Coffee, and access to the community. Interested individuals must register beforehand using the code "GOVTFREE" and provide proof of furlough status.
Financial Assistance Programs
Maryland has established several programs to provide financial relief to workers impacted by the shutdown.
- Federal Shutdown Loan Program: The Maryland Department of Labor offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help workers cover expenses such as rent and groceries. This program is available to "Excepted" or essential employees who are required to continue working without pay. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends and retroactive pay is received.
- Unemployment Insurance: Furloughed federal employees are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program. However, recipients will be required to repay these benefits after the shutdown ends and they receive retroactive pay.
- Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program: In addition to the shutdown loan, Maryland offers a Federal Worker Emergency Loan program for laid-off federal employees, which also provides a $700 no-interest loan for those experiencing financial hardship.
Utility and Housing Protections
The state of Maryland has implemented protections to prevent immediate financial hardship regarding essential services.
- Utility Service Protections: Protections are in place to prevent electric and gas companies from shutting off service to furloughed employees who are missing bill payments.
- Housing Relief: Furloughed federal employees facing eviction or foreclosure can ask the court for a temporary pause on proceedings. It is noted that these protections do not apply to contractors.
Library Services
Public libraries are offering leniency regarding fees for affected families.
- Anne Arundel County Public Library: This library system will waive fines incurred between January 4 and the end of the government shutdown for federal government employees, contractors, and their families. Additionally, the library will not send affected customers to collections during this period.