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Local businesses stepping up, helping government employees

Posted at 7:05 PM, Jan 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-24 22:27:38-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Currently, we are approaching day 35 of the government shutdown, and many federal workers' lives remain in limbo.

It's forcing some people to do things they never had to do before to pay their bills.

Pawn shop owners said these last few weeks have been busy for them, but it's not the busy they want.

"We had a lady come in before Christmas. Didn't anticipate not having money for a last minute gift. She walked in here almost in tears," Michael Mack, of Max Pawn said.

To help the employees who are affected by the shutdown, Max Pawn is offering four-month loans with zero interest.

Nevada Coin Mart is also trying to help workers affected.

"We're paying every single dollar, not to make any money in profit at this particular time for any furloughed employee," Neil Sackmary, of Nevada Coin Mart said.

Nevada Coin Mart is also offering $20 in gas cards to get to the store.

When it comes to having cash, a lot of employees are banking on getting their tax refunds.

"Right now that's what's going to get us through. How quickly can we get our tax returns," one government employee said.

But if you need your refund immediately, there are tax companies out there, like Liberty Tax Service, that issue cash advances, which means you will get your refund within 24 to 48 hours.