As Tom Petty famously said, "You can stand me up at the gates of hell, I won't back down."
This morning, like every other federal employee, I received another email reminding me that time is almost up. The so-called "Fork in the Road" buyout offer—a forced choice that feels anything but voluntary—expires tonight.
This isn’t just another bureaucratic reshuffling. It’s an existential crisis for public service.
For more than a decade, I have proudly served as a federal employee, working across multiple administrations, and several agencies. I've advocated for healthcare with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), promoted innovation at the USPTO, and today I fight for the American worker at the U.S. Department of Labor. Now, that career—like those of thousands of my colleagues—hangs in the balance, not because of performance or budget constraints, but due to a politically motivated purge of the federal workforce.
And I’m not alone.
“If you have to send us 10 emails saying this is totally not a scam… then it’s probably a scam,” David Casserly told POLITICO.
Federal employees across agencies have voiced our concerns: we do not trust this offer.
There is no legal certainty that severance will be paid past March 14, when current government funding expires. Meanwhile, those who refuse the buyout face an implicit threat of future layoffs. Messaging from U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been inconsistent, shifting policies and timelines in ways that appear designed to create confusion.
The irony? The very people being targeted for removal are the backbone of government efficiency.
Career civil servants do not take these jobs for money or prestige. We do this work because we believe in it. We are committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that government services run smoothly, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. We are the employees processing Social Security claims, enforcing labor laws, and ensuring accessibility in federal programs. Yet, we are now treated as obstacles to be removed.
So, what happens tomorrow?
For those of us refusing the buyout, we brace for retaliation. The Department of Government Efficiency met with Labor Department leadership yesterday, and the message was clear: this is only the beginning. We do not know if access to federal systems will be revoked overnight. We do not know if mass terminations are imminent. What we do know is that this administration is determined to eliminate career public servants, and it is not being subtle about it.
But we are still here. And we are not backing down.
If you are a federal worker—or if you know one—check in, reach out, and offer support. No matter what happens after midnight, we must stand together.
Independence Day and Financial Freedom: How Biden’s PSLF Reforms are Changing Lives
Piggy bank with Debt Forgiveness graduation cap on cash
As we celebrate Independence Day, I reflect on the broader meanings of independence. For many of us, especially those with disabilities, true independence includes financial freedom, accessibility, and the ability to pursue dreams without crushing student debt. Today, I delve into President Biden's efforts to revamp the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, the looming threat of potential rollbacks by former President Trump, and the misguided calls for Biden to drop out of the race just four months before the election.
In February, my student loans, amounting to six figures, were forgiven under the PSLF program. Initially spearheaded by George W. Bush in 2007, the program aimed to attract the next generation of federal workers. However, it faced significant challenges, particularly under the Trump administration, which denied 99% of applicants. Despite these setbacks, Biden's administration successfully righted these wrongs, fulfilling the promise of financial freedom for many public servants like myself.
President Biden's commitment is evident. He has worked tirelessly to eliminate the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles that plagued the PSLF program. As the Congressional Research Service reported, outstanding education debt in the U.S. exceeds $1.6 trillion, affecting nearly 43 million people. Biden's actions have provided much-needed relief, allowing public servants to focus on their careers and personal lives without the constant stress of overwhelming debt.
However, this progress is under threat. Former President Trump has made it clear that he plans to roll back these achievements if re-elected. He has repeatedly attacked Biden's loan relief policies, calling them "vile" and "not even legal" per CNBC. Trump's proposals include eliminating the U.S. Department of Education's loan relief programs, including the PSLF, and making deep cuts to financial aid programs for students. This would be devastating for those relying on these programs to achieve their educational and career goals.
In light of these threats, calls for Biden to drop out of the race seem not only misguided but dangerous. Just four months ahead of the election, we need a leader who has demonstrated integrity and a commitment to the American people. Biden understands the importance of keeping promises and fighting for the rights and freedoms of all Americans, especially those with disabilities.
The public service loan forgiveness program has been a godsend for my financial freedom. It enabled me to pursue an education at institutions that might have otherwise been out of reach financially while ensuring my success.
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, let's remember the broader meaning of independence. It's about having the freedom to pursue our dreams, live without financial burdens, and access opportunities that allow us to thrive.
Trump may roll back student loan forgiveness programs if elected to second term