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Friend -

As you likely know, the federal government is currently in a shutdown. The reason for that is because President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” has placed Michigan into a healthcare crisis that is upon us. The cost of healthcare was bad before, and now, starting this month, everyone reading this is about to get a notice of a rise in healthcare costs for January 1, 2026. Trump is making us poorer and sicker in the nine months he has been in office.

I did not support the Republican Continuing Resolution on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Republicans need 60 votes to pass a bipartisan budget, and this funding bill had no input from Democrats. They didn’t come and talk to us, but somehow hoped we’d vote to support their plan. Since July, I have been very clear: any conversation about my vote needs to start with health care.

Look, Republicans control the White House, Senate, and the House – so I understand that negotiations won’t result in Democrats getting everything we want. But serious adults can sit down, negotiate in good faith, and pass a budget. We saw this happen with the Michigan State Budget just the other day.

To be clear, we don’t know how President Trump is going to handle a government shutdown. Right now, his Administration is illegally cancelling federal funding to major infrastructure projects. But as Democrats, now is the time to stand up and use our voices. And there are few more important fights to have than lowering costs for healthcare.

I have gotten many questions about the practical effects of the shutdown on Michigan. While the shutdown is taking place, Social Security benefits will still go out, Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue, veterans’ benefits will continue, and U.S. Passport Agency and U.S.-Canada border crossings will be staffed. But as the shutdown goes on, certainly things can change.

More personally, I have made the decision to withhold my salary for the duration of the shutdown. Passing a bipartisan budget is a core function of Congress, and until that happens I will join our troops and federal workers in not accepting a salary until the shutdown is over – hopefully soon.

We all know that this is uncharted territory. But as Michigan’s Senator, I feel that it is my responsibility and obligation to make life better for our middle class. And right now that means doing everything in my power to lower health care costs.

Thank you for reading,

Elissa

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