Colorado aids over 50,000 furloughed federal workers with unemployment benefits amid ongoing government shutdown.

Colorado is supporting over 50,000 state-based federal employees affected by the third-week government shutdown, offering unemployment benefits to furloughed workers who are considered “job attached” and exempt from job search requirements. These workers must repay benefits once federal pay is restored, but federal contractors are ineligible. Nationally, about 700,000 federal employees are furloughed, many missing their first paycheck. Blame is divided between parties, with Republicans citing Democratic opposition to a clean bill and Democrats criticizing GOP partisan budget proposals. A resolution remains stalled due to the need for bipartisan support in the Senate. The impact on Colorado’s unemployment rate is unknown, as the September 2025 employment report is delayed.