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November 1, 2024
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
Next Tuesday, November 5th is election day! Among the many reasons we can be proud to be Minnesotans is that we lead the nation in voter turnout. Year after year, the North Star State shows the way when it comes to voting, and there's no reason for that to change this year. Democracy works best when all of us participate — which is why I strongly encourage you to cast a ballot on or before election day, regardless of who you vote for.
Many Minnesotans enjoy the tradition of voting in-person on Election Day. But if you prefer to get it out of the way, you can skip the line altogether and vote early (scroll down for early voting locations).
If you have an absentee ballot that you have not yet mailed in, do not mail it. Listen to Secretary of State Steve Simon: "At this point, mailing your Minnesota absentee ballot puts you at risk that your ballot won’t arrive in time by Election Day." Instead, you should hand-deliver it to your local early voting location or vote in-person at your local polling place on Election Day (in which case your absentee ballot will be cancelled). If you already voted by mail, you can track your ballot online to make sure it's counted.
Whatever questions you may have about voting, you'll find the answer on mnvotes.gov. Here, you can double check your registration, view a sample ballot to help you with your research, and track live results on Election Night.
Connecting with Tribal Leaders at the National Congress of American Indians
This week I was invited to speak to tribal leaders gathered at the Annual Convention of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). As a member of Congress, it is my duty and privilege to work as a trustee of Indian Country — upholding treaty rights, honoring Tribal sovereignty, and advancing opportunities that improve quality of life for Native communities and peoples.
Congresswoman McCollum addresses delegates to the National Congress of American Indians in Las Vegas, NV.
President Biden made a historic formal apology last week for the federal Indian Boarding School policies that sought to forcibly assimilate at least 18,000 Native American children over a 150-year period. My commitment to tribal nations includes seeking truth, healing, and justice for Native American communities who were torn apart by those policies. This apology alone cannot repair the pain of survivors or return the children who were lost, but it is the first step in healing those wounds. It is time to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Policies Act, and I pledged to continue working toward that goal next Congress.
Beautywell Roundtable
On Thursday, I participated in a roundtable highlighting the harmful impacts of skin lightening products. At this roundtable, hosted by The Beautywell Project, we discussed how to combat colorism, skin-lightening, and exposure to dangerous chemicals including mercury. These products can be found in many salons, and consumers are seldom aware of the risks associated with using these products. Through my work on the Appropriations Committee, I have been working to get funding for the FDA to crack down on these dangerous skin lightening products. Thanks to the Beautywell Project and Executive Director Amira Adawe, MPH for continuing to shed light on this important issue!
Congresswoman McCollum participates in the Beautywell Roundtable at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
Little Africa Plaza Opens in Saint Paul
Earlier today I stopped by the opening of the Little Africa Plaza. This new community and business space seeks to bring together the African community in Saint Paul. Made possible in part through funding I helped secure through the FY 2022 appropriations process, Little Africa will help foster entrepreneurs and community organizations that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our community.
Congresswoman McCollum at the opening celebration for Little Africa on Snelling Ave N in Saint Paul.
MNSure Open Enrollment
MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. The MNsure 2025 open enrollment period begins today and runs through January 15 th, 2025. This is the annual opportunity for Minnesotans to compare options, change plans, or sign up for coverage.
Thanks to Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration, Minnesotans who have coverage through MNsure can continue to save money on health insurance next year. Minnesotans who receive tax credits through MNsure will save an average of $6700 on health insurance premiums next year because of enhanced federal subsidies that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Visit mnsure.org for more info, to compare plans, and get covered.
Medicare Open Enrollment is Underway
Medicare Open Enrollment is underway until December 7th. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats, enrollees will benefit from a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs and the opportunity to spread those expenses over a year. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more and compare plans.
Seeking Spring Interns in My Saint Paul and Washington DC Offices
My Washington, DC and Saint Paul offices are hiring Spring Interns. An internship in my office provides students with valuable experience as they prepare for their professional careers. Interns have the opportunity to assist all members of the staff, including legislative, administrative, casework, outreach, and communications duties. Internships are available in both my Washington D.C. and Saint Paul offices.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and available hours. Additionally, please indicate any Minnesota ties. Students interested in a Washington, D.C. internship should email [email protected]. For St. Paul internships, please email [email protected]. Read more about internships in my office here.
Service Academy Nominations
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. Learn more on my website.
Change your Clocks!
Remember to change your clocks this weekend. Daylight saving time ends this Sunday, November 3rd, with clocks rolling back one hour at 2 a.m. This is also a good time to check and change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!
Early Voting Locations in MN-04
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.
- Arlington Hills Community Center — 1200 Payne Ave, St. Paul, MN 55130, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Roseville
- Ramsey County Library — Roseville, 2180 Hamline Ave North, Roseville MN 55113, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Shoreview
- Ramsey County Library — Shoreview, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
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.
Oakdale
- Oakdale City Hall — 1584 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Woodbury
- Woodbury City Hall — 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
As always, please stay in touch: Voice your policy opinion, ask for help with a federal agency, or find all of my recent statements at mccollum.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
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