AUSTIN, Texas — President Donald Trump’s plan for all federal employees to return to the office five days a week has sparked significant backlash from Austin-area elected officials.
In anticipation of resistance, and the potential resignation of up to 10% of workers by September, Trump has introduced a “deferred resignation program.” This initiative allows federal employees to opt into a buyout of their jobs, with a deadline of February 6. Participants will receive full benefits and pay until September 30. U.S. Congressman, Lloyd Doggett, criticized the move, calling it an abuse of power.
“The idea that this president without any legal authority can start offering money to federal employees, take their money, and run because of their fear of this new administration is completely outrageous,” Doggett said.
Doggett expressed concerns that if too many employees opt into the program, it could lead to delays in processing tax returns.
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“All of those agencies are already understaffed,” he said. “We don’t need to see federal employees whose social security and Medicare recipients depend on, gone and empty when they need help.”
Austin City Councilman for District 4, Jose “Chito” Vela, echoed these concerns, particularly for his constituents.
“Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, IRS. Are they going to be able to properly return your check in a timely manner?” Vela asked.
Vela emphasized the importance of filing taxes amid ongoing ICE arrests in his district, and the city.
“When an undocumented person does file for residency or is defending themselves from deportation in immigration court, it’s excellent to show the judge or the immigration officer that you’ve been complying with the law, that you’ve been filing your taxes,” he said.
Doggett noted that members of the Democratic Caucus met Wednesday afternoon to discuss their response to the plan. He added that a federal judge is already considering blocking the order.
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