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770 WORDS | 5.9 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
Last week, Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Owen was shot and killed, and two other police officers were injured while on duty in Western Minnesota. Not only is gun violence the leading cause of death for American children, but it’s also the leading cause of death for law enforcement. Donning the badge is a daily act of courage, and I send prayers to their families, coworkers, and communities during this difficult time.
Two weeks ago, I asked you what measures we can take to stop gun violence in America, and over 50% of you called for a ban on assault weapons. I agree, and I’m ready to work with serious partners - of all political perspectives – to end this crisis. Speaking of common ground, I invite you to read on for updates from last week:
Finding Climate Solutions
It's not always easy to be an optimist when it comes to climate change, but inaction – whether driven by special interest money from industries looking to protect the status quo or politicians unwilling to acknowledge science – is irresponsible and destructive. That’s why I gathered conservatives and liberals from across our community to join me for a community conversation on climate solutions last weekend. Together with some extraordinary facilitators, we utilized Climate Interactive’s En-ROADS global simulator to explore the impact dozens of policies — from electrifying transport to pricing carbon to agricultural practices and beyond — would have on hundreds of factors like energy prices, temperature, air quality, and sea level rise.
These conversations allow us to come together and change the way we think and talk about climate change, and we leave feeling empowered to take action against it together. It's time we put the common interest ahead of the special interests and take meaningful action to save our planet – and the next generation organizing its defense.
On the Job at Mercy Hospital
On Friday, I had the opportunity to work a shift at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids as part of my “On the Job with Dean” initiative. I assisted their Environmental Services team in cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment, patient rooms, and more, all while getting a firsthand look at the essential work our healthcare workers do everyday. Nurses and other care providers are heroes and play an integral role in our healthcare system, but too many are leaving the profession due to burnout brought on by being overworked and undercompensated, leading to staffing shortages that challenge our healthcare systems and further burden those still in the profession. Safe staffing levels save lives and protect our nurses, and I will continue to find ways to advocate for competitive pay and nurse’s rights.
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| Having the opportunity to work alongside our healthcare workers was an unforgettable experience. |
Civics 101 at Maple Grove Highschool
Last week, I visited Maple Grove High School to talk with students about the importance of civic engagement and to encourage them to explore careers in public service. I left our conversation knowing the future is bright and feeling incredibly inspired by this remarkable group.
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| Visiting Maple Grove High School was one of the highlights of my week. |
Standing up for Workers
I want to see all working people do better, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will also strengthen businesses and grow our economy. That's why I was pleased to reconnect with staff from Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (MRLF) - an organization representing more than 75,000 west metro workers - and their affiliate representatives last week. From discussing my work in Washington to answering their insightful questions - and getting a tour of the new Plumbers 15 training facility - conversations like these provide me with the stories and information I need to better serve workers and their families, in our community, and beyond.
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| Thanks to all those who joined me for a productive conversation, and for giving me the tools I need to advocate on your behalf in Washington. |
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 1153, the DATA Act
I'm on a mission to restore Americans’ faith in government, which includes modernizing and humanizing it — and showing up wherever people are online, including TikTok! I believe banning certain media platforms is a slippery slope, and instead, I favor enhancing privacy standards and penalties for all apps and placing guardrails around artificial intelligence. That's why I am not a cosponsor of H.R. 1153, the DATA Act, which would effectively ban TikTok in the U.S.
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.
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