OLYMPIA, Wash. – One credit union here is urging state workers to start preparing now in the event of a state government shutdown. It also said it will provide assistance should state employees start missing paychecks.
The potential state government shutdown is looming as lawmakers enter a third special session to negotiate a budget. Should no deal be reached by July 1, as many as 30,000 state workers would be temporarily out of work. Gov. Jay Inslee has said he will veto any partial budget plan that doesn't satisfy the state Supreme Court mandate on education funding.
Ann Flannigan, vice president of public relations with Washington State Employees Credit Union, told local media, "Our messaging right now is, 'Hey, come talk to us. Even if we don't know what's going to happen yet, come talk to us and we can start those conversations about what options might be available to you as a member, and how we can help you stretch during a time where you may not have a paycheck coming in’."
Flannigan said WSECU will offer members loan modifications, work stoppage loans, and short-term emergency loans of up to $700 should the shutdown take place. Flannigan noted the credit union faced similar situations during potential shutdowns in 2013 and 2015, and a detailed plan for how to respond is already in place. “The fact is that credit unions really try to stretch and help members, and I think we get a chance to shine when times are particularly difficult,” said Flannigan.