OYSTER BAY, N.Y.—Two Long Island state legislators joined with local unions and charities Jan. 11 to
launch a drive to collect food and other goods for federal workers either furloughed or working without pay during the partial shutdown of the federal government. “These federal workers have mortgages, rent payments, kids in college, and every day they’re struggling more and more,” said State Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport). “This is our way to do a little bit to help those in need, and hopefully it’s a very short drive.” About 14,000 to 16,000 federal workers on Long Island are affected. “We have this joke at work—we say, ‘Another day, another promised dollar’—but the joke is becoming a reality,” said James Brazel, a national airspace operations manager in Westbury, who has had to work 24-hour shifts without pay—and worries that his wife’s expenses for post-cancer treatment savings will eat up their savings. “It’s only going to last for so long, and she doesn’t need the stress,” he said. “Cancer thrives on stress.” The Long Island Federation of Labor and Long Island Cares are also participating, collecting food, personal care products, household supplies, pet food, and more. Read more
