Safely Finding An On-Ramp To Get Our Economy Moving Again

Dear John,

I hope you were able to enjoy your Easter weekend as much as possible.

As we enter the fourth week of Governor Walz’s “stay at home” order, job losses mount across the state, and Minnesotans are understandably concerned, not only about the coronavirus pandemic, but also the economic downturn that has affected our entire nation. As questions are raised about the governor’s decisions and what modeling the Minnesota Department of Health uses to make their decisions, I remain optimistic that we will be a stronger, more resilient, self-reliant nation when we come out of this. In the meantime, my focus remains on promoting our way of life and steadfastly preparing the on-ramp for getting our economy moving again so small businesses can survive and thrive and working families can prosper.

Delegates Are Energized & Enthused

I could never have imagined I would be speaking from my dining room table each weekend to BPOU delegates from around the 8th Congressional District, but that is the hand we’ve been dealt. Over this past weekend, I was pleased to visit with delegates in St. Louis, Aitkin, and Chisago counties during their tele-conventions.

As I shared with delegates, even though Bernie Sanders is no longer seeking the Democratic nomination, the socialist policies he promoted are still part of Joe Biden’s agenda. This includes a disastrous Green New Deal — which would eliminate mining and manufacturing — and a government-run health care scheme that would abolish personal and private health insurance for 180 million Americans. I am touched by the energy and enthusiasm from delegates in the 8th District, and I look forward to working with them, and you, toward a November victory.

Nancy Pelosi Once Again Holds Up Emergency Relief

If anyone thinks November’s election doesn’t matter, look no further than Congress. If you ever wondered how bad “The Swamp” can get, look no further than the latest developments in Washington.

After four decades in "The Swamp," Nancy Pelosi is putting special interest groups ahead of the American people yet again – even during a national emergency. Look at her priorities during this worldwide pandemic, as she held up the Senate’s efforts to advance additional emergency relief. It’s not just disappointing, it’s shameful that Nancy Pelosi is using the pandemic as a vehicle to launch her liberal special-interest wish list on the backs of our health care heroes, emergency responders, and small businesses.

Further, after nearly torpedoing the CARES Act with a farfetched, radical, extreme environmental wish list, Speaker Pelosi is once again trying to attach her liberal wish list to phase four of Congress' coronavirus relief response. This time, Pelosi is focusing in on her plan to usher in mandatory mail-in voting!

Minnesotans Answer The Call

While the United States has suffered nearly 20,000 deaths to this pandemic, it is heartwarming to read and hear about all the great things our friends and neighbors in the 8th District are doing to help strangers in need. Check out a few examples below!

KBJR-TV: Northland steps up: Duluth company prepares to make emergency hospital bed supply
WDIO-TV: 148th Fighter Wing making face masks for mission essential personnel
Duluth News Tribune: Northland first reponders brace for surge of COVID-19 cases
Star Tribune: University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic ready COVID-19 antibody tests in Minnesota
Mesabi Daily News: Salvation Army stays open as pick-up site
Brainerd Dispatch: Bridges of Hope works to meet community needs
Pioneer Press: Minnesota company among many called ‘critical infrastructure’ during COVID-19 crisis

I hope you have a safe and healthy week. May God continue to bless you!

Sincerely,