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1261 WORDS | 9.7 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
My update begins as it has far too many times, with profound heartbreak over another mass shooting, this time at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, Maine. Like so many of you, I've heard enough thoughts and prayers from the very lawmakers who are obstructing lifesaving reform. Solutions exist across the political spectrum, we just need the courage to take action, and we need it now.
This week, we were able to move beyond the dysfunction and paralysis and finally restore order in the House by electing a Speaker. Although Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) is on other side of the aisle, I am committed to working with him to demonstrate bipartisanship and restore faith in our government on behalf of the American people. The work continues, so keep the faith, and in the meantime, read on for other updates from my week:
Inspiring Youth Entrepreneurship
Our nation is home to countless innovative, smart, and compassionate entrepreneurs working to make a difference in our communities. Entrepreneurs from all walks of life account for a disproportionate share of innovation, job creation, and economic growth in our state, and I am always looking for opportunities to support our country’s innovators and ensure they have the resources they need for success. That’s why I was proud to reintroduce H.R. 6002, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act. This bill would help create a pipeline to entrepreneurship by targeting entrepreneurial education to children from underprivileged backgrounds and providing access to mentors from the SCORE program at the Small Business Administration – a program I used as a business owner.
We must pave the path for individuals of all ages to pursue their dreams of starting businesses by providing the necessary tools and resources to adapt to an ever-changing economy. With more entrepreneurs reaching their full potential, we can strengthen our vibrant small business ecosystem, create more jobs, and keep small businesses in local communities.
Donuts With Dean
By now you know that welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. Last week, I hosted more than 60 remarkable constituents at the Capitol for another “Donuts with Dean,” which my team and I hold on Fridays when the House is in session. After great conversation, and a tour of the Capitol, I always leave our gatherings feeling proud to represent the most engaged community in the nation! If you have an upcoming trip to D.C. or are planning one, please join me for a Friday morning Donuts with Dean while you're in town!
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| There's no other way I'd rather wrap up my week by spending it with a group of incredible Minnesotans. |
Make Your Voice Heard
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and this year, cities and towns across Minnesota will be choosing School Board Members, City and Township Officers, and other officials. In our community, Minnetonka residents will be choosing whether or not to repeal Ranked Choice Voting and Bloomington residents will be choosing whether to approve a new half-cent sales tax to build a new community center and renovate an ice rink and nature trail.
Together, voters make a major impact on the future of our nation, so I encourage you to check out the information below to ensure that your voice is heard:
Check your Registration Status
Registering to vote is the crucial first step in exercising your right to vote. Checking your registration status is quick, and only requires your name, date of birth, and zip code or county you reside in. Not sure if you are registered? Check before you vote!
Not registered at your current address? No problem! Check out the information below to find out how to register and cast your ballot on Election Day:
How to Register
To vote in Minnesota you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for 20 days, and not currently incarcerated serving a felony sentence. The deadline for online registration in Minnesota has passed (21 days before election day). If you still need to register, or make changes to your registration, you must do so at your polling place. Here’s how:
Same Day: You can register or update your registration when you vote, whether that is at your polling place on Election Day or at an early voting location. You will need proof of residence to register.
Find Your Polling Place
Find where to vote on election day by using this polling place finder. All you need is the zip code or the county you reside in and your house number and street name. If you are a new voter, there's lots of helpful resources for you such as voting hours, tips for new voters, and polling place rules.
What's on my Ballot?
You can view a sample ballot, search candidate filings, and ballot questions here.
Voted Early? Track Your Ballot!
In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before election day. Track your ballot here to check the status of your ballot or confirm that it was received and accepted without any issues.
Do You Have More Questions Or Need Help?
- Visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ for translations, contact information, and more helpful election information
- Submit your questions to [email protected]
- Call the elections help line at 651-215-1440
- Reach out to my office in Minnetonka at (952) 656-5176 to ask questions and see if we can direct you to additional resources
In Case You Missed It...
Spring Internship Applications
The voices of young people are integral to our society and our democracy, so I want to make sure you have a seat at the table. That is why I’m writing to make sure you know about the application deadline for internship programs in my Minnesota and Washington, D.C. offices is November 2, 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in interning in my office, please apply today! If you have questions about our internship program or application process, please stop by my Minnetonka office or give us a call at (952) 656-5176.
Academy Nominations
Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a number of Third District residents to the U.S. Service Academies. The academies allow talented and dedicated young people to receive a full four-year scholarship to highly competitive institutions. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2028 are open through November 1, 2023. Click here for more information on how to receive a nomination from my office.
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.
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