Dear Fourth District Constituent,

 

This morning, I had the privilege of honoring and extending my gratitude to Fourth District Vietnam Veterans with a lapel pin commemorating their service to our nation. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration—a national 50^th anniversary commemoration—was created by Congress to honor and thank those who served during the years of the Vietnam War. The Congressional Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin presented today was created in respect and recognition of the service members who served during the years of the Vietnam War.

It was an honor to be joined by Major General Shawn Manke, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, and Brad Lindsay, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, in this event to pay tribute to all those who served during the Vietnam period.

As a Member of Congress and the daughter of a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, whose family members were WWII submariners in the Pacific and whose many family members served during the Vietnam era, I will not waiver in my continued steadfast support of our nation’s veterans and their families. Our country has an obligation to provide our veterans with quality health care as well as all the benefits and services to which they are entitled.    

 

 

I visited Gillette Children's on Tuesday morning for the Medicaid Day of Action to discuss how Medicaid cuts could impact patients here in Minnesota.

 

“Cutting federal Medicaid funding will have a significant impact on Minnesota children with complex medical conditions and disabilities,” said Barbara Joers, President and CEO of Gillette Children’s Hospital. “These children often rely on Medicaid for access to necessary healthcare services, therapies, medications, medical equipment, and home-based care. Cuts to Medicaid would result in reduced coverage, limited access to specialists, longer wait times for services, and decreased quality of care for these at-risk populations.”

 

 

On Wednesday, I was glad to join the residents of Episcopal Homes in Saint Paul for a town hall focused on the issues impacting seniors. Minnesota’s seniors expect Congress to protect, not cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security. In Washington I’m doing everything I can to defend these critical lifelines that Americans rely on from efforts to cut them by Elon Musk and President Trump. Thanks to Episcopal Homes for hosting me for this vibrant discussion!

 

 

I hosted a second town hall on Wednesday evening on Facebook and Instagram, where I answered questions submitted by constituents over the past week. 

 

 

Thanks to the many thousands of you who've written to my office over the past several months to ask questions and voice your policy positions. My staff and I read every single one of these messages, and I'm grateful for the constant feedback that our community provides.

 

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday with the goal of dismantling the Department of Education. I want to be clear, this action is illegal and the Democrats stand ready to oppose it at every step. 

 

As a former public school social studies teacher, I know first hand the value and purpose of a good education. The illegal dismantling of the Department of Education will only hurt our students. President trump aims to undercut America’s greatest strength – our children and the promise of America’s future. 

 

There is no question that children and parents who are already struggling to afford Trump’s costly trade wars and economic policies will be harmed the most by this administration’s actions. This decision also threatens to significantly set back the training and development of future teachers that our nation needs to properly educate our children.

 

Here in Minnesota, we understand that education is so vital to the stability of our government, our economy, and for our citizens to thrive, that our state constitution requires a uniform system of public education. I challenge my Republican colleagues in Congress to join me to hold the President and Elon Musk accountable and stop this damaging order from going into effect

 

In addition to serving constituents Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, at my St. Paul office, my staff holds neighborhood office hours at a variety of locations across the Fourth District. Members of my staff will be available to meet with constituents seeking casework assistance on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Stillwater City Hall,  in the Council room from 10:00 AM until noon.

If you need assistance with a federal agency, you can stop by or call my office to make an appointment with a member of my staff. My staff and I are here to serve you, and we are happy to help you with any issues you may have that involve a federal agency. For more info, visit my website. 

 

Exciting news for the East Metro this weekend! The long awaited Gold Line opens Saturday March 22nd at 5am. This new Bus Rapid Transit line runs from Downtown Saint Paul to Woodbury. Nearly seventy percent of this line runs in a dedicated lane, allowing the buses to quickly deliver riders to their destination. 

 

This project was funded primarily by grants from the Federal Transit Administration, Ramsey County, and Washington County. As the Metro Transit system continues to expand, we can look forward to the B Line opening this summer to connect downtown Saint Paul and Uptown Minneapolis. 

 

Help Congress Fight Back by Sharing Your Story
If the recent layoffs and funding freezes made by the Trump Administration have impacted you or someone you know personally, I want to hear how these actions have affected you. House Democrats are challenging Trump and Musk in Congress, in the courts, and in our communities. By sharing your personal stories, I will be better able to fight to protect you. I strongly encourage you to Share Your Story.

 

Tax filing is underway. Free file is now open! Visit the IRS website to see if you are eligible for other free preparation and filing options.