BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) was recently appointed to serve on a seven-member, bipartisan working group to examine the challenges facing the Commonwealth in light of the federal government shutdown, as well as to develop creative ways to help those Massachusetts families impacted.

“The situation is becoming more serious by the day and we must prepare for the potential impacts that a continued shutdown may have on the Commonwealth,” said Senator Moore. “Thousands of federal employees are struggling to make ends meet, and many of our neighbors depend on critical services and resources available through federal programs. I am committed to taking an active role in helping mitigate these problems where possible.”

“This shutdown has gone on far longer than expected, and, as a result, Massachusetts families and our economy could start to encounter serious challenges,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Creating this bipartisan working group will allow us to effectively strategize ways to protect and care for individuals and families affected by the government shutdown, while also preparing for the long-term implications for our economy.”

“The federal shutdown is already having serious consequences for public employees struggling to pay their bills without paychecks, it also holds a looming possibility of far reaching impacts for our state and our economy,” said Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester). “While it will hopefully end soon, we shouldn’t wait to consider the actions our state government may need to take to confront and prevent harm to the people of the Commonwealth in the face of this unprecedented situation. This bipartisan work group will do just that.”

Working group members will examine ways to help struggling families and individuals find relief and meet their basic needs, including groceries, housing and childcare. It will also evaluate proposals designed to extend unemployment insurance (UI), as well as attempt to assess coming challenges to the Commonwealth if the shutdown continues.

Senator Moore will serve alongside Senators Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester), Michael D. Brady (D-Brockton), Joanne M. Comerford (D-Northampton), Viriato deMacedo (R-Plymouth), Donald F. Humason Jr. (R-Westfield), and Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville).

Nearly 8,000 federal workers in Massachusetts have been out of work since the government shutdown began on December 22, 2018. The shutdown is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.