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Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt told Interior's 70,000-some employees he can empathize with their situation during the partial government shutdown/DOI

Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who makes an annual salary of almost $190,000, says he can emphathize with the tens of thousands of Interior Department employees who are not being paid during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Most National Park Service employees are paid far below the acting Interior Secretary. The federal government's General Schedule (GS) for pay ranges from $18,785 for an entry level employee up to $136,659 for a GS 15 employee at Step 10. Steps are based on performance and longevity.

"It normally takes 18 years to advance from step 1 to step 10 within a single GS grade if an employee remains in that single grade. However, employees with outstanding (or equivalent) performance ratings may be considered for additional, quality step increases (maximum of one per year)," notes the Office of Personnel Management.

Since roughly 75 percent of the Interior Department's workforce was furloughed (and more than 80 percent of the Park Service's 20,000 employees), and those who were told to report to work because they were deemed essential but are not being paid, there have been missed paychecks, efforts to organize food banks, moves to draw down IRAs, and workers who were forced to move back in with their parents. Some are selling items on Craigslist and Facebook.

While federal employees with a Thrift Savings Plan, the government's version of a 401K plan, can in theory take a loan out to make ends meet, in general they can only receive a loan if they can repay it through payroll deduction. And since they're not getting paid....

Against this backdrop, Bernhardt sent an email out to all Interior employees on Friday that expressed his concern for their well-being.

During a lapse in appropriations, I have found myself in the unusual position of assuming the role of Acting Secretary at a moment when some of you are reporting to work and many of you are not.

I truly appreciate how an event like this lapse can cause apprehension and uncertainty for many. Over two decades ago, I was a Congressional staffer during a similar situation. At that time, I was extremely concerned that the potential delay in receiving my paycheck would eliminate my ability to pay my rent. I know the consternation that caused, and because of that experience, I want this situation to be resolved expeditiously.

I have served within the Department doing various jobs for nearly a decade. I know the Department and its bureaus have some of the most dedicated and passionate employees in Government. Even during the lapse period, I have witnessed an inspiring degree of professionalism by several of you. Each of you is essential to our mission and valued by your leaders, coworkers, and the public you serve. Please stay in touch with each other and share information and solutions. 

We are all looking forward to getting back to normal operations.

Respectfully,

Sincerely,
Acting Secretary David Bernhardt