AUGUST 18, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

This week marks the One Year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. Thanks to Democrats in Congress working with President Biden, a year ago we passed one of the most impactful investments in our families, our communities, and our future. The law is fully paid for by ensuring corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, with no new taxes on families earning under $400,000.

The Inflation Reduction Act has spurred clean energy and manufacturing investments, and makes the largest investments in fighting climate change and in clean energy production in U.S. history.

We’re making it cheaper for companies to manufacture the equipment needed to produce renewable energy and to build and operate clean energy infrastructure using solar, wind, geothermal, and other forms of renewable energy.

Since the law went into effect, 272 clean energy projects have been announced across 44 states, creating more than 170,000 clean energy jobs, and nearly $280 billion in new private-sector investment.

• In Minnesota, the law has spurred $720 million in funding for clean energy projects that will create more than 900 jobs;
• We expanded tax credits to help Americans make their homes and small businesses more energy efficient and lower costs of their energy bills;
• And Minnesota is eligible for at least $3 million in planning grants that support local efforts to reduce climate pollution.

The Inflation Reduction Act has lowered health care costs for millions of people by reducing out-of-pocket health care costs for households.

Recently I had a chance to meet with MNsure CEO Libby Caulum in my Saint Paul office to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act has continued to make health insurance more affordable for the 70,000+ Minnesotans who purchase coverage through the MNsure marketplace.

Democrats are committed to lowering costs for American families, and I’m proud to celebrate this major accomplishment one year after its passage:

• Lowering prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees by capping insulin co-pays at $35 a month beginning earlier this year, benefitting nearly 30,000 Minnesotans. Here in the Fourth District, 3,500 Medicare beneficiaries are saving an average of $630/year on their insulin.
• Lowering health insurance premiums for nearly 15 million low- and middle-income Americans by extending enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange plans. Here in the Fourth District, 14,000+ people enrolled are saving an average of $1,330 in premiums. 

The Inflation Reduction Act has also made the tax system fairer and more responsive, investing $80 billion over the next 10 years to increase tax enforcement for the wealthiest of the wealthy, while also improving customer service for hardworking American families. Already, these investments have helped recover $38 million from delinquent millionaires, helped the IRS answer millions more customer service phone calls than last year, and dramatically cut phone wait times.

One year in, it’s clear the Inflation Reduction Act is making a real impact in the lives of Minnesota families – lowering everyday costs, creating millions of good-paying jobs, delivering the most significant action on climate in history, and reducing the deficit. This impact will only grow for future generations as investment increases, and additional climate and health care provisions take effect.

Not one Republican supported the legislation, and now they are actively working to undercut these investments in American families through the current Appropriations process. The GOP continues to deny climate change, they are working to defund climate resilience investments, and undermine the economic and environmental realities that the Inflation Reduction Act is addressing.

Republicans are putting their politics before the needs of American families; Democrats are delivering for Minnesota and the nation, and we cannot afford for Republicans to inflict their subversive agenda on the American people. Dive in deeper on the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact here.

Out and About in the Fourth District

This week I had a tour of the old Hamm’s Brewery site on Saint Paul's east Side to learn more about the plans to transform the space into affordable housing and a public marketplace. I’m looking forward to seeing its transformation!

Congress needs to pass the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act to help projects like these become a reality. 

I also stopped by The Beautywell Project's Young Women’s Wellness and Leadership Initiative reunion to meet our next generation of leaders and celebrate their $250,000 FDA grant! 

I am always inspired by their work empowering young women and raising awareness about the dangers of harmful skin-lightening products, and proud to continue working together to educate the public.

It was great to say hello to my friends at the East Side Boys and Girls Club! We are working together on Community Project Funding to help renovate their Workforce Development and Training Center, which gives young people a place to develop a vision for the future—and a path to achieve it.

The Kids in Need Foundation has a fantastic Teacher Resource Center for teachers to come pick up supplies and classroom resources—at zero cost—in preparation for the new school year. 

Such a great way to support educators and our students. If you want to help, visit their website here.

Neighborhood Office Hours

The next Neighborhood Office Hours will be this Tuesday, August 22, from 10am to noon at Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116).

My staff will be available to speak with Fourth District residents who have questions or need assistance with a federal agency (IRS, State Department, etc.) Learn more here.

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