The mayor of Washington, D.C., says she is introducing emergency legislation to allow federal District employees working without pay to file for unemployment benefits.
Mayor Muriel E. Bowser told news outlets Tuesday that the legislation may circumvent the U.S. Department of Labor's declaration that only furloughed workers are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Bowser also pledged $2 million in local funds to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The City Council also passed legislation requiring judges to halt eviction or foreclosure proceedings if residents prove they're furloughed or working without pay. That legislation would take effect for 90 days if Bowser signs it.
