By Chris Kain
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DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb has joined his counterparts in 19 states in filing a new lawsuit that seeks to stop mass firings of probationary employees in multiple federal agencies.

Led by Maryland’s Anthony G. Brown, the coalition cites expenses on the part of the states to support unemployed workers and to review claims for unemployment assistance. The lawsuit — filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — also outlines harms to state finances and state partnerships with federal agencies.

The lawsuit seeks to force the reinstatement of terminated probationary workers and to ensure future downsizing efforts adhere to all legal requirements.

“DC is home to tens of thousands of federal workers, including many who were fired with no notice or chance to plan and now find themselves struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and take care of their families,” Schwalb tweeted last night. “These large-scale, indiscriminate layoffs are unlawful and are causing chaos — not only hurting DC residents and our economy, but also placing increased demands on District resources.”

Last week, DC Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee released revised quarterly revenue estimates that projected major losses to the District government due to the federal workforce reductions — about $1 billion in revenue over the next few years.

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