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880 WORDS | 6.8 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
Last week I celebrated National Vietnam Veterans Day by commemorating the sacrifices made by nearly three million Americans who served in Vietnam. For me, it was also an opportunity to reflect on the life and service of my dad, U.S. Army Capt. Artie Pfefer, who died serving our country in Vietnam 54 years ago. His sacrifice marked my entrance to the Gold Star community and inspires my unwavering commitment to supporting our extraordinary veterans and military families.
Read on for my thoughts on former President Trump’s indictment and to learn more about what I was up to last week, including fighting food insecurity, connecting with our seniors, and convening a conversation about building an economy that works for all:
Honoring Families of Fallen Heroes
Gold Star Families often ask ourselves if our loved ones' sacrifices were worth it. I believe the answer lies with us, which is why I have been working in Congress to honor their legacies by healing this remarkable country – and why I was so honored to receive the 2023 Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Senator Ted Stevens Leadership Award for my work on behalf of military families.
I also had the honor to meet with fellow Gold Star Families to share stories and learn how TAPS has made a difference in their lives. These families — these children — have made unimaginable sacrifices, and they deserve our upmost respect and support. We must ensure that taking care of those who return from service, and the families of those who do not, are always given equal priority. Gold Star Families have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country, and it’s time that our nation honors them accordingly.
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| Meeting with family members of fallen heroes was the highlight of my week. |
Fighting for Food Security
Back in Minnesota, I celebrated the delivery of nearly 40,000 pounds of macaroni and cheese that was donated by Land O’Lakes to Second Harvest Heartland. Food insecurity is not a political issue; it’s a human issue, and one that needs addressing. We must ensure that children across this country have a roof over their heads and food on the table. As deliberations over the 2023 Farm Bill continue, I'm committed to supporting policies and programs that protect our most vulnerable and improve food security across our nation.
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| Teamwork is essential, and lots more to come as we prepare to tackle hunger in the 2023 Farm Bill! |
Building an Economy for All
Inequitable opportunity and growing income and wealth disparities pose enormous risks to our collective future, which is why I created the Stakeholder Capitalism Caucus with my friend Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA). Together, we’re exploring the ways in which Congress can support compassionate capitalism and build an economy that works for all. As part of that mission, we were joined by experts from the International WELLbeing Institute last week, and we spent an insightful hour brainstorming ways to cultivate more healthy, sustainable workplaces.
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| From employee ownership to environmental social governance, I’m on a mission to build an economy that works for entire communities – not just for shareholders. |
Listening to and Learning from Seniors
I wrapped up my week the best way I know how - by connecting with Minnesotans. This time, I had the pleasure of speaking to an extraordinary group at Brookdale Senior Community in Edina. From their insightful questions on gun control to national debt, and an overview of my work in Congress, it was a productive conversation. Seniors are the stewards of our community’s history, which is why meeting with them, answering their questions, and listening to their perspectives is beyond worthwhile. If you or someone you know lives in a senior living community, I'd love to visit, so drop me a line!
Former President Trump's Indictment
No one is above the law – and that includes former presidents. No matter your political perspectives, I hope you’ll read the indictment for yourself here before engaging in heated political rhetoric. As an advocate for transparency and accountability in government, I will do everything in my power to ensure that all presidents and their administrations are held to the highest standards, enjoy due process, and remain accountable to the American people.
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 1, Lower Energy Costs Act
Reforming our energy sector is imperative. But instead of providing comprehensive, bipartisan solutions for the permitting crisis, H.R.1 puts polluters over people and gives special benefits to big oil companies at the expense of our planet and our pocketbooks. I will not support legislation that rolls back bipartisan environmental protections passed in the last Congress and places undue danger on our natural resources and federal lands. Instead, Republicans and Democrats must come together again to pass substantive permitting reform that will secure our energy independence, lower energy costs, and power up our clean energy transformation. I voted no on H.R.1, the so-called Lower Energy Costs Act, because it fails to address the lack of funding and resources federal agencies charged with conducting environmental review need to succeed, one of the biggest causes of delays in the permitting process.
Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Savings for homeowners: The Inflation Reduction Act created new federal tax credits for homeowners seeking to make energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits.
- Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.
- Tax Help is Here: Don't delay, the deadline to file is April 18th, 2023. If you have questions or need help with your taxes, email the IRS or call 800-829-1040. You can also contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue by emailing [email protected] or calling (651) 556-3000.
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