U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) donated her congressional salary from the federal government shutdown to the Alzheimer’s Association today at the grand opening of her district headquarters in Lansing. Slotkin donated $10,965, and presented the check to Lauren Kovach, a lifelong Brighton resident and advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association in Michigan.
“I could not in good conscience take a salary while the federal government was shutdown,” Slotkin said at the grand opening. “Today, I am handing the Alzheimer’s Association $10,965, in honor of everything the Alzheimer’s Association does, the impact that it has in the community, and everything it means to be a part of making your community better.”
Slotkin has been outspoken in her belief that Members of Congress should not receive pay if the federal government is shutdown due to a lack of appropriation. Slotkin introduced the Shutdown to End All Shutdowns Act, which would suspend pay for Members of Congress in the event of a government shutdown, as well as suspend travel for Executive Branch officials.
As part of the official opening of the Lansing district office, Slotkin introduced each of the staff members that will serve in the office, including caseworkers focused on fielding constituent concerns related to veterans issues, Social Security, and immigration; and the Livingston, North Oakland and Ingham County representatives who will serve as dedicated liaisons for each part of the 8th District community.
“I am extremely excited to be opening the Lansing office,” Slotkin said. “Just as Rep. Mike Rogers had an office in Lansing, we promised to open an office here, as well as one in Rochester, and we have a Livingston County representative.”
“I want to make sure everyone knows who is on our team and where they can come for services, because it is about people and relationships and who represents you,” she added. “I have said it before, and I will say it again: It does not matter if you voted for me, my job is to represent people in this district -- so please ask things of us, please reach out to us, and thank you for being engaged citizens.”
