|
868 WORDS | 6.5 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I'm checking in from Washington, where the Republican majority has failed several times to choose a Speaker of the House. While we wait for order to be restored, I want to fill you in on what I was up to last week in Minnesota, so read on for more:
Investing in Domestic Violence Prevention
Did you know that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. experience domestic violence during their lifetime? These numbers are staggering and show that we must do more to protect victim-survivors, promote education, and expand awareness. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I was honored to visit Cornerstone—an organization in the Third District that provides services to those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or crime—to learn more about their work on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and to tour their emergency shelter. I am proud of the incredibly important work they are doing to serve our community.
My team and I also worked to secure federal funding for Maria's Voice, a nonprofit started by Lissa Weimelt and Bill Pew after losing their daughter, Maria, to domestic violence. Lissa and Bill have turned their deep sorrow into powerful advocacy and action to create a safer future for our community. Their organization's mission is to engage the public community-wide through three pillars of domestic violence prevention: awareness, education, and safe action. This funding will allow them to expand their existing primary prevention education program while implementing two new evidence-based educational program offerings. Learn more about Maria's story and the impact this funding will have below:
Promoting Accessible Mammograms
In Minnesota, an average of 650 Minnesotans die of breast cancer each year, and experts believe that with early screening, over half of those deaths are preventable. Last week, I toured Mammo a-go-go, a mobile mammography unit that has been used at over 600 screening events and has provided accessible screenings to 10,500 Minnesotans. I am grateful to the wonderful team at Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Cancer Center for inviting me to learn more about their unique programs to increase screenings and detect breast cancer at the earliest and most treatable stages.
On the Job at Yum! Kitchen and Bakery
Last week, I continued my "On the Job with Dean" initiative by picking up a shift at Yum! Kitchen and Bakery in Minnetonka. After receiving the necessary training, I spent my shift greeting customers, taking orders, bussing tables, and serving food. Their team’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and talent left me inspired - and they even sent me home with one of their delicious patticakes!
Progress on the Opioid Epidemic
Most overdose deaths can be avoided by the timely administration of naloxone, a safe and effective opioid reversal agent that's available over the counter for just $25. In 2022, overdoses claimed the lives of almost 1,000 adolescents, and requiring schools to have naloxone on hand for emergencies is an inexpensive, safe, and proven way to protect our children. That's why, this past spring, I introduced the bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act, legislation that provides preferential grant funding to states that pass laws requiring that schools stock naloxone, staff are trained on how to administer it safely, and civil liability protection is provided to those who administer it in a school setting.
We must confront this crisis on all fronts, which is why I'm thrilled that this bill has been introduced in the Senate by Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rick Scott (R-FL). I believe it is our moral imperative to save as many Americans as possible from overdose deaths and offer them a chance at recovery - especially our young people, and I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to get this bill signed into law.
Service Academy Information Night
Last week, my office hosted a virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Night with representatives from all five service academies. Students and families were able to ask questions and learn more about the academy experience and the nominations process. Thank you to the representatives, students, and parents who joined to make it a successful, and informative event!
Here to Help
As violence continues, my team and I are monitoring the situation in Israel and Gaza closely and are doing everything in our power to make sure Minnesotans return home safely. If you or someone you know needs assistance from the State Department to travel back from Israel or Gaza, please read the information below:
- U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, call 1-833-890-9595 or click this link to complete the crisis intake form.
- Latest security alerts and travel advisories can be found by visiting this page.
While the security situation and staff availability is affecting flights, the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel remains open, click here for flight information.
- If you or someone you know needs support funds for emergency tickets, contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
- If you need additional assistance or have questions, please email or call our office at 952-656-5176.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
- Donuts with Dean: Welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. We'd love the opportunity share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town! To reserve your spot at an upcoming event, please complete this form, including all attendee information and the date of your preferred session.
- Energy Savings Hub: The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access tools to cut energy costs through rebates and energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits and other rebates.
- 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.
- The Congressional App Challenge is back: Calling all middle and high school coders - are you innovative, creative, and driven to solve problems? Then the Congressional App Challenge is for you! Registration is open, so head to my website to learn more.
- Order FREE COVID-19 tests: Keep yourself, and those around you, safe by getting tested if you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Order four FREE at-home tests for your family from USPS here.
|
