The Democrat Shutdown Has Real Consequences for Michiganders
Out of touch Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet shut down the government and now Michigan veterans are paying the price.
A new report is highlighting that the Democrat shutdown is preventing a disabled Michigan veteran from learning how to use his benefits as his appointments through Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) were cancelled.
“Kristen McDonald Rivet shut down the government to appease her radical base and give criminal illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded freebies, and now Michigan veterans are paying the price. McDonald Rivet should be ashamed of herself.” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Bannon
Read more from Upper Michigan’s Source here or see excerpts below:
Government shutdown affects disabled veteran hoping to go to school
Upper Michigan’s Source
Griffin Weinberg
October 7, 2025
A disabled veteran says he’s hoping to go to college, but the federal government shutdown is preventing him from learning how to use his benefits.
During the federal government shutdown, the Veterans Affairs Human Capital Contingency Plan says 97% of VA employees will continue to work.
“But that 3% is extreme,” said Gary Gustafson, a Rapid River resident and Army National Guard (01-05) veteran. “It’s really needed and it’s missed, and they are critical services. We absolutely need them and we can’t do without them.”
Gustafson’s ability to use the G.I. Bill to go to college expired in 2020, 15 years after he was out of the military.
Earlier this year, he says he decided he wanted to go to college, so he signed up to learn about Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits.
“The VRE is more comprehensive and offers a lot more services for severely disabled veterans,” said Gustafson.
Last week, Gustafson attended an online orientation to learn about VR&E benefits. On Friday, he received an email saying a follow-up appointment, and all future appointments, would be canceled until “appropriations are in place.”
[…]
Gustafson says enrolling in VR&E benefits will not only allow him to go to college but maintain independent living for his family.
“It’s not just for college,” said Gustafson. “It’s not just to get into the workforce, but it’s to maintain independent living and offer the best opportunities you can for a veteran.”
[…]