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Dear Friend,  

Looming Shutdown Would Disrupt Services for Minnesotans

Conservatives in Congress are threatening a government shutdown that would be devastating for Minnesotans, with many federal services and programs facing disruptions, backlogs, and closures. I am fighting to make sure we send a clean bill to the President to fund our government.

Key services at risk include:

- Passport processing and issuance halted
- Loss of assistance for Medicare applicants
- Billions in federal contracts and payments stalled
- Eventual closures of federal courts and civil cases
- Limited facilities at national parks
 
Additionally, thousands of federal employees in Minnesota may be furloughed or forced to work without pay. Needs like food assistance and childcare subsidies could be reduced or cut off entirely the longer the shutdown drags on.

I am fighting to make sure we send a clean bill to the President to fund our government. I am deeply frustrated by the severe impacts this shutdown would have on so many Minnesotans. Please know that my office is here to assist you in any way we can during this difficult time. We care deeply about helping each of you get through this.

Our office will remain open throughout the shutdown. Please reach out to our office by email or phone (612) 333-1272 for assistance. 

Introduction of the Brittany Clardy Act: To Address the Crisis of Missing Black Women and Girls 

Last week, alongside advocates from Minnesota and the families of victims, I introduced the Brittany Clardy Act, critical legislation to address the alarming rates of missing and murdered Black women and girls in the 5th District and nationwide. The bill is dedicated to Brittany Clardy, a Minnesotan who was found murdered after authorities were slow to respond. It will establish a national Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls within the Department of Justice to comprehensively study this crisis. Minnesota has led efforts to address this crisis by establishing the office of Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task force. We hope to take their findings and apply it nationwide. You can read more here. 

Protecting Minnesota Seniors

On account of the numerous economic challenges plaguing seniors in the U.S., I remain committed to supporting facilities like The Hillock Affordable Senior Living. The Hillock provides safe and affordable housing for over 100 seniors in Minneapolis. As I toured the facility, I met with staff and senior residents to discuss the far reaching consequences that unaffordable housing has on various sectors, such as health care and food security. Protecting and upholding affordable housing is integral to effectively serving seniors within our community. 

Food Accessibility in North Minneapolis

 Ahead of the upcoming Farm Bill, I met with members of Project Sweetie Pie to discuss the critical intersection of urban agriculture, workforce development, and racial equity. Gathering input from community programs that advocate for food security, community building, and environmental justice is crucial to addressing pertinent food supply and agricultural issues. Throughout my tour of the neighborhood garden, I was delighted and encouraged by Project Sweetie Pie’s efforts to serve the North Minneapolis community. Programs and nonprofits such as Project Sweetie Pie are instrumental to the prosperity of our communities.

Delivering Resources to the Boys & Girls Club Check Presentation

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to give back to an organization that has devotedly served the youth of Minneapolis for over 80 years. I’m proud to have secured $750,000 in federal funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. This investment will facilitate the expansion of the organization’s enriching services– like its academic programs and sports leagues– to hundreds of children and teens! Presenting the Boys and Girls Clubs with this funding was a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.

Ensuring Clean Water Access for the 5th District 

I visited the Minneapolis Water Treatment Facility, which treats drinking water for Minneapolis and seven surrounding suburbs, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, the University of Minnesota, and many other large institutions in the Twin Cities. We discussed the difficulty that urban and suburban communities are experiencing in getting prioritized for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which would help them replace failing water infrastructure. On this visit, we also toured the facility, walked through their technology, and talked updates on what they have been able to accomplish recently with federal funding.

Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Organ Donations

I recently visited LifeSource’s Headquarters, a non-profit Organ Procurement Organization based in our district that now serves the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin. During my visit, I met with Kelly White, the Chief Executive Officer, and Susan Mau Larson, the Chief Administrative Office. We discussed their mission and work, and I had the honor of touring the facility. 

Ensuring Food Security in Columbia Heights

I visited the Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) Food Shelter to celebrate their new location in Columbia Heights! We helped secure $1 million to purchase the incredible new facility which includes a warehouse for storing food, a food shelf, a thrift store, offices for staff and client consultations, and a technology center for workforce development and employment training services. The new location will enable this community institution to serve 50% more families and expand hunger relief, basic needs, and family navigation services.

In Service,

Ilhan Omar