It also occurs to me that shut down agencies probably will not pay SUTA/FUTA on those workers. It's based on what you actually paid them, and they're not getting paid.

The whole thing seems like a political joke.

Every 'shutdown' in my politically conscious history (back to Carter), has immediately paid back the lost wages through Congressional decree. I don't see Congress ever taking the opposite stand.

I know several Federal workers that were hoping for the 'slowdown', and hoping that they would be on the furloughed list. They understood that they had the chance for a nice paid vacation....

One of them hit the slowdown lottery!

As long as they have contributed to UI, yes. But as RR noted, if they get paid retroactively they need to refund any benefits received.

I hadn't heard that; thanks. I have mixed feelings about this. I can understand needing to keep positive cash flow, but I agree that in this case any UI money is simply a loan. And whatever happened to saving for a rainy day?

Congress has already passed through the House a Bill that promises them every red cent of their back pay...just as in every past 'slowdown'.

If they receive any unemployment money, they should be obligated to give it all back...right to the red cent.

Congress should not have passed onerous regulations that forced millions-yes, millions of small businesses into bankruptcy. give those entrepreneurs their "benefits." ah, they were to create their own? their bad.

I assume we still have to send in SUTA/FUTA if this keeps going. Congress should get these people their benefits.