DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s U.S. senators, along with some of the state’s U.S. House members, say they will not accept their paychecks during the federal government shutdown.
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1, resulting in major impacts across the country, including federal employees working without pay, layoffs or furloughs of federal workers and the possible stop of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November.
During a government shutdown, lawmakers on Capitol Hill still receive pay as directed by the Constitution. However, some lawmakers from Colorado have told FOX31 that they won’t accept their pay or will donate the money to state organizations.
The offices of John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet both said the senators will be donating their salaries to Colorado organizations. Hickenlooper will donate his salary to food banks across the state. Bennet’s salary will be withheld until the end of the shutdown and will then be donated to Colorado organizations.
Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Crank have both made previous statements regarding the withholding of their salaries during the government shutdown.
On Sept. 30, Evans formally requested that his pay be withheld until full government funding is restored.
Crank made a request for his pay to be withheld on Oct. 15.
Other representatives provided statements to FOX31 regarding the shutdown or forgoing pay.
Rep. Brittany Pettersen said, “Like most people, I can’t forgo a paycheck and it’s unacceptable that federal workers are ever put in this position. They provide critical services we depend on and are an essential part of our community and economy.”
A spokesperson for Rep. Jason Crow said, “Congressman Crow is working every day to reopen the government, and his offices are open to help Coloradans.”
FOX31 reached out to the other members of Congress from Colorado and will update this story if additional offices respond.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
