March 1, 2024

Dear John:

This week, we are mourning the loss of three of Minnesota's Finest. Police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were tragically killed in the line of duty. The tragic loss of three beloved family members and respected community leaders is a grim reminder that our law enforcement and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

This was a heartbreaking reminder of when the 7th District's very own Deputy Sheriff Owen was murdered while serving his community just last year. It is so painful to see how tragedies like this are becoming increasingly common as violence against officers is on the rise. With every new report across the country I think about how his family and community are still mourning their loss.

These public servants understood and answered the call to duty, and in doing so made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a debt that can never be repaid, but we will never forget their heroic service and sacrifice and the impact they have had across Minnesota. It is incumbent upon all of us to do everything we can to make sure those who serve and protect know how much we appreciate them.

As we pray for the fallen, their families, and their communities, I will continue to stand in strong support of our law enforcement and first responders, ensuring Congress does everything possible to allow them to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Thank you to Hunters for Hunters for having Congressman Stauber and me out to speak at the wolf predation meeting. The gray wolf population has more than recovered, and has become a menace in northern Minnesota. I am committed to using every possible avenue to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list and put the rights back in the hands of the state to manage the population.

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program Deadline March 7

The Administration is rolling out unrealistic nursing staff ratios that will crush access to care for rural communities. It is more important than ever to focus on how we can work together to ensure a stable nursing workforce, especially in rural communities. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the application and program guidance for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, which incentivizes individuals to pursue nursing in rural and underserved areas.

The program can pay up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty. If you receive an award, you are required to work in either a Critical Shortage Facility or an eligible nursing school as nurse faculty.

Applications are due by March 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. CT. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please visit the HRSA website for more information.

I really enjoyed my tour of RDO-Lamb Weston in Park Rapids, which processes potatoes straight from the field to frozen product. They also have a state-of-the-art process for protecting the environment. They are another great example of how the agricultural industry is serious about conservation.

Drought Disaster Assistance Deadline March 25

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest disaster loans for those impacted by the drought that began on July 18, 2023. The deadline to file for the federal working capital loans is March 25. Please visit the SBA website for more information.

When I met with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce at Concordia College, one of the concerns we share is the new rule being proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to impose increased minimum staffing requirements for nursing staff, which would threaten the very existence of a number of struggling facilities across the 7th District. I've introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act, which would prevent CMS from implementing this rule until it can prove it will not result in the closure of skilled nursing facilities.

Now Accepting Summer Internship Applications

I'm now accepting applications for our paid Summer internships in my D.C., Willmar, and Moorhead offices. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience working in Congress on things that matter to the 7th District and to America. Click here if you or someone you know may be interested!

Thank you for reading!

As always, my office is open and ready to serve constituents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Michelle Fischbach

Member of Congress

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fischbach.house.gov

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