A group of constituents is calling for more opportunities to discuss federal spending cuts with Republican 7th District Congressman Tom Barrett.
On Friday, more than 100 people gathered in front of Barrett’s office across from the Michigan Capitol building. They were asking him to host an in-person town-hall meeting, saying a telephone town hall held earlier this month left them with unanswered questions.
Many of those who gathered said they were unhappy with efforts made by President Donald Trump to reduce the size of the federal government. Curtis Hamilton of Howell Township was among them. He listed some of the reductions in government departments that worry him.
“All the cuts to the veterans, that was a big one, the Veterans Administration,” Hamilton said. “The cuts to the Education Department that just came down. The cuts to the EPA.”
Hamilton was allowed to enter Barrett’s office, where he presented a petition calling for the congressman to attend an in-person town hall meeting on April 22.
“We talked to the district director, Ron Kendall,” Hamilton said. “He says he cannot confirm that the representative will be available, but he will pass the message along.”
Organizers say more than 1,500 people signed the petition.
Some Republican lawmakers across the country have faced backlash from constituents who are concerned about proposed cuts by the Trump administration. Trump has said the country is spending tax dollars on unproductive and unnecessary programs, and his cuts will make the government more efficient.
Produced with assistance from the Public Media Journalists Association Editor Corps funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.