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Lawmakers collecting food, supplies for shutdown-affected federal workers

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With the federal government shutdown now the longest in history, the men and women who work for a number of federal agencies are about to miss their second paycheck. And two lawmakers want to help.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman Andrew Cohen have joined forces with Food Bank for New York City to collect food and other daily household supplies for workers affected by the shutdown. Between now and Feb. 7, donations will be accepted at Dinowitz's office at 3107 Kingsbridge Ave., and Cohen's office at 277 W. 231st St.

Needed supplies include non-perishable food items, canned foods, personal care items, baby wipes, diapers, and gift cards to various stores like grocery stores.

The federal shutdown — now entering its second month — has affected some 800,000 federal workers, according to published reports. More than half of them continue to work despite not being paid. Both Congress and the White House are deadlocked over President Trump's demand the House of Representatives provide significant funding for his border wall separating Mexico from the United States. Democrats, however, have rebuffed those demands, but have indicated they would be willing to discuss border security funding, but only after the president re-opens the government.

For more information on donations, call Dinowitz's office at (718) 796-5345.

Jeffrey Dinowitz, Andrew Cohen, Donald Trump, Shutdown, food drive,

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