Sen. Franken, Other MN Lawmakers Donate Salary During Shutdown

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For many, the fact that lawmakers continue to make a salary during the federal government shutdown – while so many federal workers do not -- is frustrating.

So, Sen. Al Franken and other Minnesota lawmakers have announced that they will be donating their salaries to charity – or asking not to get paid -- during the shutdown.

On Wednesday, Franken announced that he'll be donating his salary during the shutdown to Second Harvest Heartland, a hunger relief organization

"Second Harvest Heartland is a great organization that works throughout Minnesota, providing vital assistance to families who would otherwise go hungry," said Sen. Franken. "Just as I was prepared to do in 2011 when we faced a possible shutdown, I won't be taking my salary. I believe that while the government is shut down, donating my salary to charity is the right thing to do, and I'm going to make sure that money goes toward helping people who might be badly affected by the shut down."

The other lawmakers include Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Rep. John Kline, Congressmen Rick Nolan, Rep. Erik Paulsen and Rep. Tim Walz.