Furloughed federal workers: Here’s some help

NM businesses aim to ease the pain of government shutdown

Businesses around New Mexico are stepping up to help federal workers affected by the federal shutdown.

Here are some of the offerings that have come across our desk.

PNM will keep the power on for federal employees behind on their bills during the shutdown. Employees must provide PNM a copy of their furlough letter to be eligible.

Federal employees affected by the shutdown should call New Mexico Gas Co. at 1-888-664-2726 to discuss payment arrangements or ask about additional assistance. Customers seeking protections will need to present a government employee photo identification, a badge or other documentation at any Gas Co. walk-in office or to an NMGC field collector.

FatPipe, the cowork space with offices in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, is offering furloughed workers free space to research, write, study or start a new business. People interested in taking advantage of the offer need to show a copy of their furlough letter. More information is available at Fatpipeabq.com.

McDonald’s restaurants in Roswell and Artesia will provide one free meal per day to furloughed workers. Workers need to bring a check stub that has $0.00 as their pay, and a McDonald’s team member will write the date on the stub.

MVD Express is waiving its convenience fee on vehicle registration renewals and driver’s license renewals for federal employees and their dependents until the shutdown ends. Furloughed workers must show proof of federal employment with ID badge or pay stub. The offer does not include taxes or required state fees.