This week marked one year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7th, 2023 that killed 1200 innocent Israelis, injured thousands more, and took 251 hostages.  We remember those who lost their lives during the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and continue to demand that Hamas release the remaining hostages.

Hamas’ terrorist attacks have unleashed unacceptable death, destruction, and suffering throughout the region, with innocent civilians paying the highest price.  Since October 17th,I have called for a regional ceasefire among all parties that can lead to lasting peace. This war must end.

 

I fully support President Biden's call for Congress to take swift action to pass emergency disaster relief funding for communities impacted by the deadly Hurricanes Milton and Helene.  Millions more are without power and running water in Florida after Hurricane Milton, even as the federal government continues to respond to those impacted in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast U.S. by Hurricane Helene. Learn more about groups assisting those displaced by the storms here and here. 

 

Update from Minnesota

 

Serving our Troops

Serving Our Troops is a Saint Paul-based organization that connects deployed service members with their families. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to join for their 16th project, connecting families with the 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls, Minnesota National Guard, who are serving in Kuwait and Jordan. The dedication and courage of our citizen soldiers makes all of us proud. We thank them for their service!

 

Cooling our Cities 

On Tuesday, I joined Great River Greening and the City of Saint Paul to kick-off a years-long project to bring shade, fresh air, and healthier streets to our communities by expanding our urban tree canopy. The Cooling Minnesota Communities Initiative aims to plant, water, protect, and maintain up to 10,000 trees throughout Minnesota, supported by a $10 million grant made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding is being put to work to improve climate resiliency and public health, making Saint Paul an even better place to live, work, and play both now and for years to come.

 

Niron Magnetics Ribbon Cutting 

I attended a ribbon cutting for a Niron Magnetics facility just west of the state fairgrounds. Niron, which spun out of a University of Minnesota program and funded by the departments of Energy and Defense, makes permanent magnets that are free of rare earth elements. Permanent magnets are ubiquitous in today’s technology and vital to our national and economic security: There are hundreds of permanent magnets in every car! Making magnets without rare earth elements helps secure our supply chain for national security applications; China produces about 90% of the world’s rare earths. These magnets will be made entirely in the United States with iron from right here in Minnesota. And they will be made without the environmental impacts of rare earth mining.

 

Deadline for Service Academy Nomination packet submission

The deadline for MN-04 residents to apply for a congressional nomination to a U.S. service academy is Monday, November 4th! Applications must be postmarked by that date. Visit my website for additional information. 

 

Highland Water Tower

This weekend, the Highland Water Tower will be open to the public from 9 am - 5 pm for free tours. Upon summiting the tower’s long spiral staircase, visitors can take in panoramic views stretching miles in every direction. Stunning vistas of both downtowns, MSP airport, and beautiful fall colors await you at the top of the Highland Water Tower. This opportunity comes only twice a year. Don’t miss it! 

 

 

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. Here is a list of every early voting location in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional district:

 

Ramsey County 

Saint Paul 

• Ramsey County Elections — Plato Building, 90 Plato Boulevard West, St. Paul, MN 55107, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Frogtown Community Center — 230 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN 55103, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Open starting 10/18 (Fri), not open extended hours 10/29 (Tue)
• Arlington Hills Community Center — 1200 Payne Ave, St. Paul, MN 55130, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Open starting 10/18 (Fri), not open extended hours 10/29 (Tue)

Roseville

• Ramsey County Library — Roseville, 2180 Hamline Ave North, Roseville MN 55113, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Open starting 10/18 (Fri), not open extended hours 10/29 (Tue)

Shoreview 

• Ramsey County Library — Shoreview, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Open starting 10/18 (Fri), not open extended hours 10/29 (Tue)

Maplewood 

• Maplewood City Hall — 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood MN 55109, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Maplewood residents only

Washington County 

Stillwater 

• Washington County Government Center — 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Extended hours: 10/26 (Sat), 11/2 (Sat), 11/3 (Sun) open at 8:00 a.m.

Oakdale 

• Oakdale City Hall — 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open starting 10/18 (Fri)

Woodbury 

• Woodbury City Hall — 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Extended hours: 10/26 (Sat), 11/2 (Sat), 11/3 (Sun) open at 8:00 a.m.

 

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. 

 

In Memoriam: Honoring National Park Service Ranger Kevin Grossheim