MAY 16, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Republicans in the U.S. House are creating a crisis that is putting Americans in an impossible position: Default on American debts or submit to devastating funding cuts that would kick thousands of Minnesotans of food assistance, slash veterans health benefits, and increase costs for housing and college.

This Republican gamesmanship, ending with a default, would wreck the economic recovery that Democrats have invested in during the past two years. Millions of jobs could be lost, the stock market could crash, the cost of living would rise for everyone, and millions of seniors on Social Security and veterans could lose their benefits.

Republicans must stop holding our economy hostage, and work together with Democrats to invest in the American people and—separately—raise the borrowing limit so America can pay its bills, the way it has been done 49 times under Republican presidents (including three times during the Trump administration) and 29 times under Democratic presidents since 1960.

Congratulations Art Competition Winners!

Last week, I announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District, launching an online gallery where you can view all 68 entries by students from 13 schools across the Fourth District. Congratulations to all of these young artists!

Karin Hoyt of Mounds View High School took first place for her artwork “Flyaways.” 

Evelyn Lienke of North High School finished in second place with “Electric Motor Alley Part 2” and Elsa Mechelke of Highland Park High School took third place with “Sea Turtles.”

Watch my video remarks congratulating the winners here.

Announcing $62 million for AmeriCorps Grants in Minnesota

I’m pleased to announce that as a result of the FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and National Grant Competition, Minnesota will receive $62.1 million in funding from AmeriCorps! Through this competition, 17 successful grantees operating in Minnesota will receive more than $58 million to support approximately 3,728 AmeriCorps members. Serve Minnesota will also receive more than $3.3 million, which will in turn be awarded to state organizations to support additional AmeriCorps members.

The funding will allow volunteers to help prepare students for college, revitalize cities, connect veterans to jobs, fight the opioid epidemic, preserve public lands, strengthen education, foster economic opportunity, and more. Minnesota has a long tradition of strong volunteerism. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to work to increase funding that supports these vital volunteer programs. Learn more. 

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with your policy opinion or if you need help with a federal agency. Thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress