Raymond Train Derailment

On Thursday, March 30th at 1:02 AM, a train carrying mixed freight including ethanol and corn syrup derailed near Raymond, MN.

Thanks to the quick work by first responders assisting the Raymond community who arrived on the scene quickly and, as a precautionary measure, evacuated the area, there were no injuries and the fire was controlled before it could spread.

Kandiyohi County and the citizens of the Raymond area have proven their strength and resilience. Despite this terrible event, I was moved by what I saw when I was at the site. I was encouraged to see the strength and ability of all those involved in the response to the train derailment and the precautionary evacuation as well as those who are tasked with cleanup and any other work that is needed to be done going forward. 

I would especially like to thank all of the first responders who arrived on the scene from across the region to help, the City of Raymond and BNSF Railway and National Transportation Safety Board staff for their quick work, as well as Superintendent Jon De Groot with the Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg and Pastor Steve Zwart and the Unity Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg who opened their doors to shelter people and provide food, and Pastor Aaron Greydanus with the Raymond Christian Reformed Church who opened up their space to the group.

While cleanup has been progressing smoothly, my team is at the ready to assist Raymond in every way possible.

Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Institute invites 7th District students in Grades 9-12 to participate in a nationwide visual art competition. Since 1982, more than 650,000 high school students from around the country have participated in the competition, and it is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and hard work. 

The winner will have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year!

If you or someone you know might be interested, please visit my website for more information. The submission deadline is Monday, May 1.

Click here to see last year's winners.

Disaster Loan Assistance Deadline

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in Minnesota that April 10 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans for economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 8-13, 2022.     

Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

PNPs located in the Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine are eligible to apply. 

The SBA offers federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help eligible non-critical PNP organizations meet their working capital needs such as ongoing operating expenses. Loan amounts can be up to $2 million with an interest rate of 1.875 percent and terms up to 30 years. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for this assistance, PNPs need to apply by the deadline. Applicants may apply online at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s under SBA declaration # 17521.

If you have questions, please call the FOCE Communications Department at (404) 331-0333.

Tax Day

April 18 is right around the corner. Here are a few tips: 

• Create an IRS Online Account
• Be aware of reporting changes for the gig economy and service industry - the IRS is requiring an income reporting threshold of $600
• Find out if you qualify for the Free File program
• If you are receiving a refund, you can check on its status using the IRS' "Where's My Refund" tool
• If you need to file for an extension, that needs to be done by April 18
• If you can't pay the full amount of taxes you owe, you can set up a payment plan
• Know that the IRS provides short, informational videos on a variety of tax-related topics

If you have any questions or need assistance contacting the IRS, please do not hesitate to call my Willmar office at (320) 403-6100.

Close Up

Close Up brought several schools from Minnesota's 7th district out to D.C. to see for themselves how government works and all the unique things the Capital City has to offer. I was so glad to spend some time talking with them on the Capitol steps. I hope you all enjoyed your trip!

Happy Easter!

fischbach.house.gov

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