(Undated) -- Efforts are continuing to soften the blow of the federal government shutdown on Rhode Island workers who aren't getting paid because of it. The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority announced yesterday that it is suspending the re-payment of college loans for those federal employees who are going without a check. Meanwhile, a chain of daycare centers in the state, including the Schoolhouse Preschool in Johnston, which is the main branch, is offering free services to Coast Guard members who are working without pay. And, the city of Newport announced on Wednesday that it will allow federal workers to delay payments on bills like water-sewer and real estate taxes.