1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing as a federal employee to ask you to please reconsider pausing or delaying the proposed 3.8% pay raise for federal employees in 2027. I work for the federal government in a rural, high-cost-of-living area of California. Despite living in a rural community, the cost of basic necessities continues to rise, while wages have not kept pace. I travel upwards of an hour each way to work five days a week, and gas in my county is currently approximately $6.24 per gallon. The cost of commuting alone places a significant burden on my household. For federal employees like me, another year without a meaningful pay increase would make an already difficult financial situation even harder. Housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other everyday expenses continue to increase. A 3.8% increase would not eliminate these challenges, but it would provide meaningful relief and help federal employees keep up with the rising cost of living. I also ask that Congress consider the disparity between the compensation provided to other federal employees, including law enforcement personnel, and employees in other essential federal positions who are facing the same inflationary pressures and rising living costs. Federal employees work hard to serve the public and keep our government functioning, including those of us working in rural communities where employment options and affordable housing can be limited. We should not have to choose between staying in public service and being able to afford our basic living and commuting expenses. Please support a fair and meaningful pay increase for federal employees in 2027 and consider the real financial impact that stagnant wages have on those of us serving our communities. Thank you for your consideration.