February 23, 2023

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

I invite you to join me for my next Virtual Update from Washington on Friday, March 1, at 12pm. March 1 is the next deadline for one of the two short-term funding bills that are keeping the government open temporarily. Negotiations on final Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills are happening right now, but uncertainty remains: Will the negotiations be wrapped up in time, with bills that can pass with bipartisan support? Or will House Republican leadership continue to insist on loading up government funding bills with extreme partisan policy riders? These poison pills are holding up progress, and trying to shoehorn divisive MAGA policies in appropriations bill could force a shutdown or yet another temporary funding bill. Next Friday, I will update you on this as well as a bill I've just reintroduced, and answer your submitted questions.  

Virtual Update from Washington 
with Congresswoman Betty McCollum 
Friday, March 1, 2024  
12:00pm CT
Please register and submit your question here

Rondo Community Conversation

In the heart of Saint Paul, the historic Rondo neighborhood is a vibrant and thriving African American community, but also a visible reminder of the past injustice caused by the construction of Interstate 94 in the 1960s. The highway created a scar that still divides the neighborhood. Through sharing stories of family, hope, and persistence, Rondo continues to gather together as a community. Neighbors are focusing on reconnecting and rebuilding the community. Their tireless commitment to advance efforts to revitalize Rondo is a testament to their resilience and the spirit of community. 

In Congress, I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, because I knew it would empower communities like Rondo to rebuild and reinvest in themselves. I am so grateful that ReConnect Rondo is receiving a $2 million grant from the law to take a major step forward in advancing their plans. This week, during Black History Month, I met with Rondo community leaders to discuss these efforts and how we can best work together in making their vision a reality. It is an honor to work alongside those who remember Rondo before I-94, along with generations who are following in their footsteps.

More from this week

• The Biden administration announced $92.5 million in federal funds for clean drinking water and other water infrastructure investments to Minnesota communities. 
• Yesterday I met with new Canadian Consul General Beth Richardson in my Saint Paul office. I look forward to working together!

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