This past weekend, Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeastern United States, bringing historic flooding to Appalachia. As those communities begin to emerge from the lowering flood waters, it is critical to get federal aid into the secluded mountain valleys as quickly as possible. This is just another reason why keeping the government funded through December 20th was so important. The capacity of the federal government to respond to this disaster would have been severely hindered if House Republicans had caved to their radical members and gone forward with a government shutdown.

 

Update from the Twin Cities

 

Funding our Schools

On Monday, I joined members of the St. Paul Federation of Educators and National Education Association President Becky Pringle to draw attention to the expiration of more than $200 million in federal funding that has been vital to St. Paul students still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress are taking a page from the Project 2025 playbook. They want to slash nearly $5 billion from Title I funding for schools serving low-income neighborhoods. As a former teacher, I understand the importance — as well as the challenges — of ensuring that every child receives a great education. That’s why I'm a proud co-sponsor of the Keep Our PACT Act, which would create a 10-year path to full funding for both Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We must fulfill our commitment to our nation’s youth, no matter their abilities, skin color, zip code, or background.

 

Habitat for Humanity Build at the Heights

On Tuesday, we joyfully celebrated the 100th birthday of President Jimmy Carter. Like many Americans, I've looked to President Carter as a moral guidepost. A courageous defender of human rights, a promoter of peace around the globe, and a pioneer for clean energy, President Carter has made a lasting positive impact on all of us.

 

There's no better way to celebrate and honor President Carter than by building homes. It was a privilege to join Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project at the work site of The Heights, where more than 30 new homes are under construction this week as part of the larger redevelopment project of the former Hillcrest Golf Course. At the completion of this project, we'll have nearly 150 mid-density affordable homeownership opportunities on Saint Paul’s East Side! 

 

Stop Project 2025

Project 2025 has a 4% approval rating, and it’s no mystery why. It’s a 900-page roadmap for Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans to roll back our rights, strip away our freedoms, and claw back the benefits that Americans have earned through years of hard work. This week, I joined my fellow Minnesotans in standing up for our values and defending against the harmful plans outlined in Project 2025. 

 

 

Serving our Troops

Serving Our Troops is a wonderful tradition that connects deployed active-duty service members with their families over a live video call to share a steak dinner. Unfortunately, the Saint Paul team that facilitates this cherished event won’t be heading to the Middle East this year due to heightened tensions in the region. Still, I will join Serving Our Troops tomorrow as they move forward with hosting an event for families and friends of the deployed Minnesota National Guard 34th Infantry serving in Kuwait and Jordan. 

 

Twin Cities Marathon

On Saturday and Sunday, The Twin Cities Marathon and other races will take place across the cities. After the 2023 event was cancelled due to excessive heat, the 2024 races are expected to attract spectators in record numbers. Twin Cities in Motion, the host organization for the marathon, has outlined what to expect for street closures and festivities. 

 

Early Voting in Minnesota 

Early voting has begun in Minnesota! For more information on mail-in voting and early in-person voting, visit mnvotes.gov. MPR News also has an overview of what to know.

 

Free COVID Tests are Back 
Every household is again eligible for four free covid tests. Head to this website to place your order today. Households in MN-04 are already beginning to receive their shipments.