Local federal employees back to work, cautious of temporary reopening

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Workers have been notified they will be receiving back pay within the next few days. But some are still nervous since the current reopening of the government is, at this point, temporary.[br /][br /]Workers at the Internal Revenue Service are some who are back at work. Many government employees are being warned to handle their paychecks with care because of the temporary reopening.[br /][Ads /][br /]It's been a long 35 days for a Fresno wife and mother, whose husband was a furloughed federal worker. He left work Monday anxious to get back to a job and career he loves.[br /][br /]"I am being optimistic about it, at least they will be receiving their back pay," she said. "He took a deep breath and he walked out the door again and said goodbye to me and the kids and off he went. I've talked to him a few times today and they are back into their routine.]][br /][br /]Federal employees have been notified they will be receiving their lost wages on or before January 31st. Many families have spent the past weeks prioritizing which bills to pay first and cutting deals with banks and utility companies willing to offer understanding and delayed payments.[br /][br /]Although she didn't follow politics much before, this concerned wife is now. The uncertainty of another possible shutdown makes her nervous- but she has a renewed confidence in her neighbors and community.[br /][br /]"And even friends reaching out saying hey, do they want to come paint for some cash or do small jobs? It was really nice to see people helping people. Which is really kind of reminded us all what this country was built on. It was pretty deep and sometimes it was emotional even," she said.[br /][br /]Fortunately, since the family is dual income she was able to keep the finances afloat.[br /][Ads /][br /]It was service to others that drew US Army Retired Major Mike Reisman to Trinity Lutheran Church Monday. He helped make 500 lunches for federal workers. They planned it before the shutdown ended- to just help provide one meal to those not getting paid.[br /][br /]"Let's see how long this lasts. Hopefully they will come up with some type of an agreement as far as that goes. People see through it. You gotta take care of your citizens, that's the way I look at it," said Maj. Reisman.[br /][br /]There is one thing many furloughed families are doing now in preparation of the future and what it may hold.[br /][br /]"I feel not confused but very conscious of what we do with our money and putting certain amounts away just in case it happens again," the Fresno woman said.[br /][br /]IRS workers who are salaried and hourly will be getting paid over the next few days. This includes part time workers.