Shipyard workers get loans during shutdown. More banks needed.

KITTERY, Maine — A local lawmaker is asking credit unions and banks to opt into the state’s Government Shutdown Loan Guarantee Program to ease financial strain on Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees and federal workers around Maine.

Democratic state Rep. Kristi Mathieson, a Kittery resident, was the prime sponsor for LD 874 , "An Act to Provide Relief to Federal or State Employees Affected by a Federal Government or State Government Shutdown,” that Gov. Janet Mills signed into law in July. Eligible workers affected by the government shutdown can apply for and receive upwards of three $6,000 interest-free loans during the course of the pay stoppage.