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November 8, 2024
Dear Fourth District Constituent,
More than three-quarters of eligible Minnesotans cast a ballot on Tuesday. Thanks in large part to voters of the Fourth District, Minnesota is once again on track to lead the nation in voter turnout. This democratic tradition is a hallmark of our state, and we can take great pride in carrying this forward. Democracy works best when we participate, and on Tuesday, the vast majority of our neighbors did exactly that.
I am grateful for the opportunity to return to Congress to represent Minnesota values. While control of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress is yet to be decided as votes are still being counted in Oregon, Arizona, and California, on January 3rd, 2025 I look forward to taking my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our democracy is precious and it requires elevating public trust in our system of free and fair elections, not undermining it. This includes ensuring that on January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power.
As we prepare to observe Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th, it is important that we honor the defenders of democracy whose generations of sacrifice have protected our right to hold free and fair elections.
Those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces have protected America’s democratic foundation and we are grateful for their commitment, bravery, and sacrifices to protect the ideals and freedoms we cherish as Americans. We thank all who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and Space Force. They deserve the support of a grateful nation.
As Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, I remain committed to taking every action possible to ensure our military families and veterans have the services and support to which they are entitled. I will continue to work across the aisle to look out for our veterans.
There are a number of Veterans Weekend events around the East Metro on Monday. I will be attending and speaking at the official State of Minnesota Veterans Day Event. Watch the livestream here at 10 am. Here is a list of events in the area: Saint Paul
Free Pancake Breakfast for veterans and current active duty, National Guard or Reserves
9:00 am to Noon Arcade-Phalen American Legion Post 577 1129 Arcade Street, 55106
White Bear Lake
10:45 am Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Park
11:00-2:00 pm free lunch for all veterans and a guest at VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary
Stillwater
20th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Stillwater Veterans Memorial
11:30 am Ceremony to honor St. Croix Valley area veterans from all branches of the armed forces.
Woodbury
Veterans Day Ceremony at Woodbury Veterans Memorial
11:00 am 8301 Valley Creed Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Mahtomedi
Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
5:00pm at Veterans Memorial Park
Hosted by American Legion Kramer Berg Post 507
Woodbury Water Treatment Plant
Yesterday, the City of Woodbury broke ground on a permanent Water Treatment Plant, which will ensure the safety and quality of water that comes out of residents’ taps. Three years ago, Mayor Anne Burt and city staff approached my office with a request assistance in constructing a new water treatment system to address PFAS contamination.
It has been a privilege to partner with city to secure $3.45 million in Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior Appropriations legislation for this water treatment system. This project is the result of ongoing collaboration with leaders in Woodbury, Washington County, and our legislators at the State Capitol. Congratulations to the City of Woodbury for getting to this construction kick off!
MNSure Open Enrollment
MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. The MNsure 2025 open enrollment period is underway and extends 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.
Stay up-to-date on Vaccinations
Stay up to date with CDC-recommended immunizations for you and your loved ones. Flu and Covid vaccines (and RSV & pneumococcal for those eligible) are available to keep you healthy this fall and winter. Visit the CDC for more information.
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.
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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