April 23, 2025

This week we’ve seen no shortage of constituents at community town halls — but in many areas the local MoC is MIA. 

It’s a tale of two recesses: On one side, many Representatives remain in hiding after voting to gut programs like Medicaid and SNAP in order to fund more tax cuts for billionaires. On the other, the electeds who have consistently voted to support working families are filling the void, stepping in at community town halls to engage with concerned constituents.

With so much at stake, the people are showing up—and they’re noticing who isn’t. Take a look at yesterday’s highlights from FSA and its state partners:

VIEW FROM THE STATES

MICHIGAN

The ‘Gander - Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib holds town hall in Macomb County as John James remains MIA

Despite repeated invitations to attend public town hall events—including one this week in Warren—James has yet to show up to face voters, answer questions, or hear their concerns. So, on Tuesday night, before a room packed with hundreds of voters, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), decided to do it for him. James never showed up, but Tlaib stayed for about two hours to talk with anyone and everyone who wanted to voice a concern or ask a question.

WDIV (NBC - Detroit) - Town hall on Federal Cuts Held in Warren

“A town hall was held tonight in Warren to talk about how federal cuts could impact working families in Michigan. The event was organized by Fair Share America. That's a group that advocates for higher taxes on corporations. One notable absence was Republican Representative John James, who represents the district. Organizers say they invited him to come, but he didn't show up. Instead, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib spoke about the impacts of the cuts.”

Forbes Breaking News - Dem Lawmaker Rashida Tlaib Holds Town Hall Event In District Of Michigan Republican John James 

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) joined Fair Share America, Indivisible and local partners to hold a town hall event in the district of Rep. John James (R-MI).

Michigan Advance - Absent Tom Barrett, 7th District town hall meeting lets constituents express concerns, frustrations 

“We are being lied to. We have to watch closely what they are doing. They are going around our Social Security, they’re gonna cut stuff, they’re gonna cut funds, and then they’re gonna say Social Security doesn’t work, we have to privatize it”, said Janet Roemer, 76, during her speech, which received enthusiastic applause from the crowd. “And the only way we’re gonna stop this is if we make our congress people more afraid of us than they are of Trump.”

NEBRASKA

KETV - Omaha Constituents Vent Frustrations with Rep. Don Bacon  

“Issues raised included the administration’s plan to cut staff, Medicaid benefits, and the federal funding freeze. Most of the crowd was upset that Bacon did not show up to answer questions from his district 2 constituents.”

WISCONSIN 

WXOW (ABC - La Crosse) - Opportunity Wisconsin hosts Rep. Pocan in Town Hall, Rep. Van Orden a no show 

Congressman Mark Pocan addressed attendees' concerns, while Sen. Bernie Sanders made an appearance via phone. Third Congressional District Rep. Derrick Van Orden was invited but did not attend. Constituents raised questions about budget cuts, Medicaid, and abortion.

NEW YORK 

Mid Hudson News - Rep. Latimer rallies Westchester residents to oppose Medicaid cuts

“The cut to Medicaid that is proposed is $880 billion nationwide in Medicaid,” he said. “That is basically saying we don’t care about protecting your family, and that mindset has to have pushback, and that’s where those of us in public office have to say what we can say, and you have to have those conversations with your friends and the people you know,” he said. “Obviously, seniors know how vulnerable we are in healthcare.”

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Contact: Kristin Sosanie (kristin@fairshareusa.org) or Ashley Woolheater (ashley@fairshareusa.org)