August 23, 2024

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

The Great Minnesota Get-Together has begun! It’s exciting to welcome Minnesotans from across the state and other visitors from all over as they descend on the Fourth District for the State Fair. This year, I’m looking forward to trying out the new State Fair mobile app, tasting some of the 33 new food options, and visiting the newly redesigned crop art exhibition hall.

Inflation Reduction Act Clean Energy Investments Are Saving Americans Money & Creating Jobs

Last Friday marked the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the landmark law that’s saving money for American families: reducing energy costs,  lowering prescription drugs prices, and increasing opportunities to access clean, renewable energy. This law is helping the U.S. transition to a clean energy economy while creating good-paying union jobs. Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership in passing this legislation, we’re bringing major investments to Minnesota that will help our state reach its plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040.  

Last year, 3.4 million Americans benefited from $8.4 billion in Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to lower the cost of clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades in their homes.  Since January 2024, more than 250,000 Americans have claimed the IRA’s electric vehicle tax credit, saving these buyers approximately $1.5 billion.

Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, companies have announced $900 billion in clean energy and manufacturing investments in the US, including over $265 billion in clean energy investments since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. These investments are creating over 330,000 new jobs in the United States.

Borealis a Welcome Expansion of Amtrak Service to Chicago

Photo: Kare11

As a strong supporter of Amtrak’s new Borealis line, I was excited to take my first trip from Chicago to Saint Paul on Friday morning. At just $41 per ticket, the new line provides passengers with an affordable and relaxing alternative to flying. The Borealis also meets the needs of rural communities by offering passengers an opportunity to hop off at a handful of smaller stations in towns such as La Crosse, Winona, and Red Wing. Americans are asking for more passenger rail, and I’m working hard in Washington to deliver those additional transportation options for Minnesotans.

Reminder: 2024 Congressional App Challenge

My office is exited to participate in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge! The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition in which middle and high school students in the Fourth District can create an application or "app" for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, or other devices. The competition is meant to inspire students and spark their creativity and potentially explore what careers in the STEAM field look like.

Students of all coding skill levels are encouraged to participate, eligible participants must attend a school in the Fourth District or live within the district. Learn more about the rules and important deadlines here. Students who plan to participate may register online, and must submit their final app to CongressionalAppChallenge.us by October 24th, 2024. Note: Apps created after November 1st, 2023 are eligible for entry to the 2024 App Challenge.

Passport Day September 14

On Saturday, September 14, the Minneapolis Passport Agency will host a special one-day event to apply for or renew your passport. This office is typically closed on weekends, so this is a rare opportunity. Appointments are free, and you can register for them here.

Remembering a Champion for Saint Paul

Photo: Minnesota Star Tribune

As I close this week’s update, I want to reflect on our longest-serving former Mayor, George Latimer, who passed away on Sunday. From 1976-1990, Mayor Latimer oversaw a major economic boom in downtown Saint Paul that revitalized the city and gave residents reason to be excited. His administration brought in major investments in Lowertown, Energy Park, and the Riverfront, all of which are still enjoyed today by Saint Paul’s residents and visitors alike. A visionary leader, Latimer’s work helped shape our capital city’s skyline by bringing the Ordway Theater and Wells Fargo Center. But above all else, I’ll remember George for his passion and friendship. He had such strong adoration for Saint Paul, and he treated those around him with unwavering respect. I will miss him dearly.