Defying Trump Administration, Calif. Offers Federal Workers Unemployment Benefits

[flibbitygiblets]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by DonViejo (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: NPR

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration has told states they can't offer unemployment benefits to federal employees who are required to report to work without pay during the government shutdown.

Newsom called a letter sent to states by the U.S. Department of Labor "jaw-dropping and extraordinary" as he met with TSA workers at the Sacramento International Airport Thursday afternoon. "So, the good news is, we're going to do it, and shame on them."

The governor explained that California will offer the workers unemployment coverage, despite the federal government telling the state it can't do so for workers still on the job. Newsom says he believes California is on strong legal footing.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2019/01/18/686468742/defying-trump-administration-calif-offers-federal-workers-unemployment-benefits

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There's a picture of Newsom hugging one of the TSA workers at the Sacramento airport. I love this guy.

[Freethinker65]

1. Would there be a "clawback" for when they receive the backpay owed?

[Major Nikon]

2. I can't imagine otherwise

Their more immediate concern is how to put food on the table and the idea that one can't use the social safety net when they aren't getting paid is strikingly immoral, even more so when the reason is because they must remain on the job without getting paid.

[MichMan]

3. Why not provide 100% of their pay until the shutdown ends?

Unemployment only covers a portion of your income. Wish other states would do the same.

Once the back pay comes in, California will be totally reimbursed, so they aren't really out anything

[DonViejo]

4. Locking...

Over 12 hours old (over 24 hours, actually). Published January 18, 2019 8:01 AM ET; posted on the LBN Forum Sat Jan 19, 2019, 11:04 AM