Casten Joins Local Organizations, Holds Roundtable on Government Shutdown
Algonquin, IL – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) held his second roundtable in two weeks with representatives from local organizations to address the ongoing federal government shutdown. Representatives from resource organizations including A Safe Place, Agency on Aging in Northeast Illinois, Greater Elgin Food Bank, McHenry Country Health Department, Northern IL Food Bank, Northern IL Credit Union were also in attendance. Today marks the 32nd day into the government shutdown with over 800,000 federal employees going without pay and countless more directly affected by the shutdown. This week, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on its 10th bill to reopen the government since the shutdown began in December.
"This morning I held my second roundtable in the District to shine a spotlight on the suffering being caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The stories I heard were heart-wrenching. I heard from a mother of a two-year-old daughter whose household went from two incomes to no incomes in the last month. Her daughter's birthday was last week, but instead of celebrating with a birthday party – one of the joys of parenthood – this furloughed mother was concerned about putting a simple supper on the dinner table. She is counting pennies to feed her family. This was just one example of the distressing stories I have heard the last few weeks thanks to the President's shutdown.
As a result of this needless shutdown, our country is shamefully failing to fulfill its most basic obligations to the public. The House Majority's priority is to get the government up and running again and I will support those continuing efforts," said Casten.
From left: Liz Pelloso, Wetland Scientist, Environmental Protection Agency; Steven Faryan, EPA Region 5; George Spente, President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialist Union; Teresa Schryver, Advocacy and Awareness Specialist, Northern IL Food Bank; U.S Representative Sean Casten; Melissa Adamson, McHenry County Public Health Administrator; Tom Kane, President, Illinois Credit Union League; Sheila Jackson, Executive Director, Food for Greater Elgin; and Carmen Patlan, Chief Development Officer, A Safe Place. Not pictured: Jim Tarmann, Field Services Director, Illinois Corn Growers Association.
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