JEFFERSON CITY • Missouri’s new treasurer says he is investigating whether to join other states in offering state-backed, no-interest bank loans to federal employees who have not been paid during the 33-day government shutdown.

Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, a former member of the Missouri House who was sworn in as treasurer on Jan. 14, told the Post-Dispatch he wants to help workers who are missing paychecks, but would rather see President Donald Trump and Democrats quickly settle their differences.

“I am actively considering how the treasurer’s office can assist in providing relief for furloughed government employees,” Fitzpatrick said. “There are a number of factors involved in accomplishing that, and we are working through those. Ideally, the federal government will work together to end this so people can get back to work.”

Fitzpatrick’s comment comes as other states are moving to help federal workers make ends meet while congressional Democrats and Trump clash over his demand for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

In Connecticut this week, the Legislature and Gov. Ned Lamont moved quickly to provide up to $5,000 in no-interest loans to idled federal workers, according to the Hartford Courant.