With the one year anniversary of the federal government shutdown this week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is highlighting how Mike Bishop twice shut down the government in Lansing. Bishop would only make Washington worse — his record makes it clear he can’t be trusted to prevent a federal government shutdown.
Today’s example: the federal government shutdown from Mike Bishop’s leaders put pay at risk for National Guard employees.
“When Mike Bishop led the Michigan Senate Republicans, he shut the government down twice, holding the entire state hostage until he got his way,” said Brandon Lorenz of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Last year’s government shutdown jeopardized the pay of National Guard staff and cost the economy $24 billion dollars, and Michigan voters don’t want another politician like Mike Bishop who put his own agenda ahead of the middle class.”
BACKGROUND:
Bishop Presided Over Two Government Shutdowns in Michigan Senate. In 2014 the Huffington Post reported: “Bishop has been blamed by many for a part in helping cause Michigan’s brief government shutdowns in 2007 and 2009 under former governor Jennifer Granholm (D).” [Huffington Post, 4/07/14]
Federal Government Shutdown Caused Selfridge Air National Guard Base to Send about 650 Military Technicians and Civilian Home. In 2013 the Detroit Free Press reported: “According to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, about 650 military technicians and civilian workers were sent home today after conducting an orderly shutdown of operations at the base. About 150 active duty members of the 127th Wing remain on duty.” [Detroit Free Press, 10/1/13]
- Headline: Government shutdown affects Michigan National Guard members, businesses near the base [Detroit Free Press, 10/1/13]
Federal Government Shutdown Took $24 Billion Out of the Economy. “The shutdown also forced non-government business losses, temporary layoffs and other interruptions in business spending. The full extent of the damage won’t be known for some time. Economists at Standard & Poor’s estimate the total cost at about $24 billion, or a 0.6 percent GDP haircut. Others guess it’s about half that. Either way, it’s a heavy price to pay.” [NBC News, 10/17/13]