Press Release

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Releases Statement on Standing with Essential Workers Impacted by Government Shutdown; Introduces SB 1155 to Protect Federal Employees

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) stands in solidarity with the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1260 – representing thousands of TSA screeners across the Western U.S. – that held a press conference today at Sacramento International Airport to demand justice and fairness for TSA officers who missed their first paycheck due to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security government shutdown.

 

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas released the following statement about her commitment to protecting federal workers during government shutdowns: 

 

“We are now facing the third government shutdown in Trump’s second term. And once again, the people paying the price are not politicians – they are working families. 

 

“Essential workers like TSA officers are required to report to work during government shutdowns, as they must continue to safeguard the public 24/7 at airports across the country, like LAX in my district –without pay. After long shifts protecting the traveling public, these hard workers return home to mounting financial stress: Rent and mortgage payments that are due. Utility and childcare bills that must be paid. Groceries to buy to put food on the table for their families. 

 

“It is unacceptable that workers who are deemed ‘essential’ are forced to work without pay because the federal government cannot get its act together. Homeland Security must focus on protecting our workers — not wasting taxpayer dollars on luxury airplanes, staged photo ops, and operations that terrorize everyday residents. Time and time again, Republicans and the Trump Administration continue to fail our workers — including those who keep this country running.

 

“That’s why I’ve introduced SB 1155 – the Federal Employees Protection Act. This bill is designed to protect federal workers from future shutdowns by:

  • Prohibiting landlords from evicting federal employees or contractors for nonpayment of rent during a government shutdown and for 30 days after it ends.
  • Prohibiting landlords from charging late fees during a government shutdown.
  • Pausing pending eviction proceedings in court while a shutdown is in effect.

 

“SB 1155 ensures that federal workers are not at risk of losing their homes simply because Washington failed to do its job. It allows TSA officers and other federal employees to focus on covering essential expenses without the added fear of eviction.”

 

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a worker rights and racial equity advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.

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