February 2, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutawny Phil has predicted an early end to winter--which comes as no surprise given the record-high temps we've seen recently. But while I wish the House was taking action to address climate change, House Republicans are instead continuing to focus on catering to the extremist MAGA wing of their party.

Updates from Minnesota

Last night was Rondo Night at the Minnesota Winter Carnival--a fitting way to kick off Black History Month. I was on my way home from Washington, but I sent a letter to organizers extending warm wishes for a fun and informative evening, and my gratitude for their work informing our community about the historic Rondo neighborhood and collective efforts to revitalize it. 

Plaza del Sol Groundbreaking

It is so great to see that Plaza del Sol's renovation is moving forward this month! My office partnered with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) to invest $1 million in federal Community Project Funding to support this revitalization on St. Paul's East Side.

I visited in 2022 and received a tour and a presentation of the renovation plans. Looking forward to seeing their plans come to life!

Red Bulls Deployment 

On Thursday, more than 550 soldiers of the Arden Hills-based Minnesota National Guard Red Bull Infantry Division deployed to the Middle East to assist our nation's allies and partners in building security in the region. These citizen soldiers are from multiple states and from across Minnesota, including 15 communities in the Fourth Congressional District.

Our state and nation are grateful for their bravery and commitment to serve as well as the support and sacrifices of their families, friends, and employers. My prayers are with them for a safe return home in December. 

Checking in with Local Legislators

This morning, I caught up with legislators from around the Fourth District. It's always helpful to hear about their work to get a sense of the priorities and concerns of our shared constituents, especially as the Minnesota state legislature prepares to return to session on February 12.

Updates from Washington, D.C.

This week I voted no on H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. This bill is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Let's be clear about what this tax deal is: just another Republican handout to big corporations and oil companies. Congress should be ensuring big corporations and oil companies pay their fair share rather than helping them get a leg up.

I support the Child Tax Credit and voted for it in the American Rescue Plan, but H.R. 7024 is 82 pages long and only three pages pertain to the credit. In those three pages, the Child Tax Credit provisions fail to replicate the success of the improved Child Tax Credit provided to families by the American Rescue Plan. Meanwhile, big corporations get yet more tax breaks while everyday Americans pick up the tab.   

Baltic and Eastern European Parliament Leaders Visit Washington

I was honored to meet with the President of the Riigikogu, the Speaker of the Saeima, and the Speaker of the Seimas to discuss how we can work with our Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian friends to assist Ukraine, enhance NATO, and strengthen democracy in Europe.

I also had a chance to meet with a delegation of Members of Parliament from Romania this week. Our conversation focused the importance of countering Russian aggression and the urgent need for additional aid to Ukraine. It is critical that the United States continues to stand with other democracies to help the people of Ukraine defend their freedom. 

Congressional Burma Caucus

I also joined my colleague Rep. Huizenga in establishing the first-ever Congressional Burma Caucus. The Fourth District is home to approximately 17,000 Burmese and Karen refugees, and hundreds of thousands of others call the U.S. home as well. My father served in the China Burma India Theater during World War II, so I have a personal connection in working to promote peace and improve civil society for the people of Myanmar. 

Don't hesitate to be in touch and voice your policy opinion or ask for help with a federal agency. You can find all of my recent statements and stay in touch at mccollum.house.gov.

As always, thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent. 

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress