Colorado Credit Unions Share with Members of Congress Their Efforts to Support Federal Workers During Shutdown

Posted by Ryan Fitzgerald on November 3, 2025

Credit union advocates with Rep. Jeff Hurd

As the government shutdown continues in Washington, D.C., federal workers and military families are feeling the strain—especially those who haven’t received a paycheck in weeks. Colorado credit unions are stepping in to offer relief and support during this challenging time.

Credit unions meeting with Rep. Gabe Evans

Rep. Gabe Evans, who represents Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, has been actively advocating for these workers. Evans recently hosted a roundtable with leaders from Canvas Credit Union, Northern Colorado Credit Union, Ent Credit Union, and Colorado Credit Union to discuss the efforts being made.

These credit unions are offering a range of assistance, including:

• No-interest loans up to $7,500 for 12 months, with all fees waived, as shared by Chris Myklebust, Chief Transformation Officer at Canvas Credit Union.
• Deferred payments on existing loans, which have already helped over a thousand federal workers, according to David Sprenger, Senior Vice President at Ent Credit Union.
• Support for individuals with lower credit scores, ensuring that financial help is accessible to more people, emphasized by Scott Sager, CFO at Colorado Credit Union.
• Beyond financial aid, Northern Colorado Credit Union is also assembling care packages for military service members overseas, demonstrating a broader commitment to community support, which was outlined by CEO Meagan Barrett.

Crank Hosts Financial Leaders in Colorado Springs

Credit union leaders met with Rep. Jeff Crank

Representative Jeff Crank (CO-5) recently convened a roundtable with financial leaders to address the growing concerns of federal workers, military personnel, and contractors who are now facing missed paychecks and financial uncertainty.

Glenn Strebe, CEO of Air Academy Credit Union, shared that those impacted should proactively reach out to their financial institutions, credit card companies, and mortgage providers to explore available options.

Ent Credit Union’s Chief Impact Officer, Matt Gendron, also attended and shared their support programs, including skip a payment programs and other tailored financial assistance.

True to the “people helping people” mantra, credit unions are proving that compassion and action can make a meaningful difference.

Hurd Meets with Credit Unions in Grand Junction

Representative Jeff Hurd (CO-3) also sat down with credit unions in Grand Junction, earlier this week, to learn what actions they are taking to assist members impacted by the shutdown. Similar to the other conversations, Credit Union of Colorado and Canvas Credit Union representatives shared how they are working with members with programs like skipped payments, no fees or penalties on early withdrawals, short-term/no-interest loans, and other options to help.

Share What Your Credit Union is Doing to Help

GoWest credit unions are doing exceptional work providing resources, programs, and support to ensure federal employees and military families do not fall into financial disarray while they remain unpaid during the government shutdown.

GoWest wants to highlight the resources and programs all credit unions are offering to members impacted by the government shutdown. Is your credit union offering government shutdown resources? Please take a couple of minutes to complete our survey so we can compile a comprehensive list of what credit unions are doing to support members impacted by the shutdown.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Colorado Advocacy, Federal Advocacy.