County Executive Melissa Agard Highlights Local Hospitality Industry Efforts to Support Unpaid TSA Workers at Dane County Regional Airport

March 26, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today is uplifting and applauding the efforts of local hospitality partners and the United Way of Dane County who are stepping up to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at the Dane County Regional Airport impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Across the country, TSA officers have continued reporting to work without pay for weeks as the shutdown persists, creating real financial hardship for thousands of families.

Here in Dane County, members of the local hospitality industry are responding with action in the Dane County Way, organizing a fundraising effort to provide relief to these essential workers who help keep our airport and travelers safe every day. If you are able to, please click HERE to donate.

“This is what community looks like,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “TSA officers show up every day at the Dane County Regional Airport to do critical work that keeps our residents and visitors safe, even when they are not receiving a paycheck. It speaks volumes that our local hospitality community is stepping up to support them in their time of need.”

The hospitality industry has teamed up with local support agencies to aid federal workers during a difficult time with a new initiative that will help unpaid federal workers purchase much-needed food and fuel. Funds from the campaign will be used to purchase gas and food gift cards for the more than 100 TSA workers who continue to do their jobs without pay. Agard emphasized that while federal leaders must ultimately resolve the shutdown, local communities can still play an important role in supporting those impacted in the meantime. *Note – if funds aren’t fully distributed before the shutdown ends, unused contributions will be sent to Dane County food banks and pantries.

“We cannot control decisions made in Washington DC, but we can control how we show up for one another here at home,” Agard said. “I am incredibly proud of our local businesses and hospitality partners for leading with generosity and compassion.”

Dane County residents interested in supporting TSA workers can learn more and contribute HERE.  

“This effort reflects the very best of Dane County,” Agard added. “When people are struggling, we come together, we step up, and we take care of each other.”