Good evening,
Despite the government closure, I hope that everyone enjoyed the Holidays. Of course, this time off would be immensely more enjoyable if we knew when our next paychecks will be arriving but no one can predict the future including whether we are to be provided with back pay.
We do know that we will not be receiving any pay for awhile and that this will cause financial hardship for a number of our members.
Please note that employees may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Formerly known as food stamps, all states covered by NFFE 1450 provide SNAP benefits. If one qualifies for SNAP, it is my understanding, after a discussion with a state official, that SNAP benefits do not have to be repaid. Please check with your state agency, however, about any potential reimbursement requirements.
If one does apply for SNAP, please check to see if one qualifies for “expedited” benefits. This significantly shortens the time period for receiving a debit card. Expedited benefits can be received within 3 days in California and 7 days in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.
For those who are seeking temporary employment, please remember that we remain covered by the Standards of Conduct. And since our employees are not able to request an ethics opinion at this time about supplemental employment (at least, I don’t believe that an ethics opinion can be timely rendered), generally employment related to the real estate industry is verboten.
Thank you
Dennis Murakami
President
NFFE-1450